Parenting is a life-changing decision, and it is completely understandable to wonder whether you have what it takes. An unexpected pregnancy can bring up questions about your future, your relationships, your finances, your support system, and your ability to care for a child.

We believe you deserve the time, space, and support to fully explore this option. You do not have to make a decision out of fear, pressure, or the belief that you have to figure everything out on your own.

As you consider parenting, these questions may help bring clarity:

• Do I want to parent?

• What support would I need in order to feel more prepared?

• Do I know what resources are available to help me as a parent?

• Who in my life could offer encouragement, guidance, or practical help?

• How might I feel if I choose to parent? How might I feel if I do not?

At South Lake Pregnancy and Family Care Center, we believe every life has value and every parent deserves compassionate support. You do not need to be perfect or have everything figured out before choosing to parent. Love, commitment, support, and a willingness to learn and grow can make a meaningful difference.

Our free and confidential services can help you identify the education, practical resources, community referrals, and encouragement that could make parenting feel more manageable. Whether you are preparing to become a mother or father, our caring team is here to support you with faith, hope, and the love of Jesus.

Adoption is a deeply personal decision, and for some women and men facing an unexpected pregnancy, it may be an option worth learning more about. Choosing adoption does not mean you do not love your child. In many cases, it is a decision made with sacrificial love, thoughtfulness, and a desire to provide a stable and loving future.

If you are considering adoption, you may have more choices than you realize. Adoption plans can often be customized based on your preferences, comfort level, and hopes for the future. South Lake Pregnancy and Family Care Center is not an adoption agency, but we can provide a safe place to ask questions, process your thoughts, and connect you with trusted adoption resources when you are ready.

There are three common types of adoption plans:

OPEN ADOPTION

An open adoption allows for ongoing communication between the child’s birth parents and adoptive family after placement. This may include in-person visits, phone calls, emails, letters, photographs, or other regular updates.

This option may be a good fit if you desire to have an ongoing relationship with your child and the adoptive family. The level of openness can vary depending on what is agreed upon by everyone involved.

SEMI-OPEN ADOPTION

A semi-open adoption allows for communication between the child’s birth parents and adoptive family, but it is usually handled through an adoption agency or another third party. This may include letters, photographs, or updates without sharing personal contact information.

This option can provide a balance between connection and privacy. It may be a good fit if you would like to receive updates or have some form of communication while still maintaining personal boundaries.

CLOSED ADOPTION

A closed adoption means there is no ongoing contact between the child’s birth parents and adoptive family after the adoption is finalized. Identifying information is generally kept confidential, and records are handled according to state law and adoption procedures.

A closed adoption may provide privacy for those who feel that is necessary for their situation. However, closed adoptions are less common today, as many adoption plans now allow for some level of communication or updates.

As you consider adoption, it is okay to ask questions, take time to process your emotions, and learn about the choices that may be available to you. You do not have to make an adoption plan before speaking with someone, and requesting information does not obligate you to choose adoption.

South Lake Pregnancy and Family Care Center is not an adoption agency, but we can provide a caring and confidential place for expectant mothers and fathers to talk through their questions. When you are ready, we can also connect you with trusted adoption professionals who can explain the process and help you explore a plan that reflects your hopes for your child.

Abortion is a serious and personal decision, and it is understandable to feel overwhelmed if you are facing an unexpected pregnancy. Fear, pressure, finances, relationships, school, work, family circumstances, or uncertainty about the future can all make it feel like you need to make a decision quickly.

Before making any pregnancy decision, you deserve clear information, a safe place to ask questions, and time to understand your options.

At South Lake Pregnancy and Family Care Center, we do not perform abortions, provide abortifacients, refer for abortions, or financially benefit from any pregnancy decision you make. We are not a medical facility. Our role is to offer free and confidential support, education, pregnancy testing, resources, and a caring place to process your next steps.

What does Florida law say about abortion?

Florida law currently prohibits most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, with limited exceptions. Florida also requires abortion-related medications to be dispensed in person by a physician; telehealth abortions and abortion pills sent through the mail are not permitted under Florida law.

Because laws can change, speak with a licensed medical or legal professional for the most current information.

What is a medication abortion?

A medication abortion, sometimes called a chemical abortion or “the abortion pill,” usually involves two medications. The first medication, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for a pregnancy to continue. The second medication, misoprostol, causes cramping and bleeding as the uterus empties.

The FDA-approved regimen is for ending an intrauterine pregnancy through 10 weeks gestation, which is counted as 70 days or less from the first day of the last menstrual period. Before considering a medication abortion, it is important to know how far along you are, whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus, and whether there are any medical concerns that need attention.

Possible side effects may include cramping, heavy bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, fever, chills, or weakness. In some cases, complications may require medical care. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience very heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fainting, fever that continues, or symptoms that concern you.

What is a surgical abortion?

A surgical abortion is performed in a clinic or medical setting. The specific method used depends on how far the pregnancy has progressed and other medical considerations.

The surgical abortion process involves dilating the cervix so that medical instruments can enter the uterus to remove the pregnancy. Earlier in pregnancy, strong suction and scraping tools are used. However, later in pregnancy, other instruments like forceps are used to remove larger parts of the fetus.

What about emotional effects?

Every person’s experience is different. Some hope to feel relief, but many express feelings of sadness, grief, regret, anxiety, confusion, or emotional pain. For some, these feelings may surface right away; for others, they may appear later.

Men can also experience grief, guilt, helplessness, or confusion after an abortion decision.

If you are struggling after a past abortion—whether it occurred recently or many years ago—compassionate and confidential support is available.

If you are feeling pressured, afraid, alone, or uncertain, we encourage you to pause and speak with someone who will listen with compassion and without judgment. Before making a decision, you deserve time to ask questions, gather accurate information, and understand the support that may be available to you.

If part of you wonders whether parenting could be possible, South Lake Pregnancy and Family Care Center is here to help you explore what that support might look like. Through free and confidential services, parenting education, material assistance, community referrals, and encouragement rooted in faith, hope, and the love of Jesus, we want to help you move forward with greater clarity and confidence.