A parent’s job never ends.  Even as children grow up and are responsible for making decisions on their own, the job gets harder.  However, a parent’s response and ability to support their child during times of turmoil can have a dramatic effect on their child’s emotional well being—now, and in the future.

Every day at Hope Clinic we see young women and men distraught over an unwanted pregnancy.  So often we hear women and men ask...

“What will my mother say?”    “How can I ever tell my dad?”

At Hope, we encourage the young adults we meet with to talk to their parents.  We know that parents want to be involved and “in the know” with their child’s life. However, ultimately that is a decision we leave to our patient.

Your support at this difficult time could be a major turning point in your relationship with your child.

Studies have shown young women are more likely to experience a favorable outcome after an abortion if their parents are supportive.  It is also reported that women under the age of 22 were more heavily influenced emotionally by parents’ support than be a male partner’s support.  At Hope we also hear from our young clients,

“I don’t know what I would have done without my Mom.  She told me she would support me 100% no matter what I chose to do about the pregnancy.  She’s with me today.”

Your child is more likely to perceive you as completely supportive if you have said you would help with any support and decision that is made, and reinforce your decision with action.

The way you handle the situation right now will determine the future of your child, the future of your relationship with your child, and your child’s relationship with his or her own children.

What can happen when a parent is unsupportive?

Studies have shown there are higher levels of hostility, anger, anxiety, shame and depression in young women whose parents were unsupportive than those whose parents were supportive.

Depression, anger and shame were more acute in women who described their relationship with their mothers as “negative.”

It has also been reported that the majority of women who coped poorly after their abortion had told one or both parents and received emotional abuse and no support.

Hope Clinic would like parents, and clients, to know that our counselors are here to provide you with information and support.  Hope can help your family cope with the emotions, thoughts and feelings you may be experiencing during this hard time.