The short answer is: more common than anyone would like. The long answer is, naturally, a bit more complicated. Before diving into the statistics, we have to define what an “unplanned pregnancy” truly is.
Many agencies use the terms “unplanned pregnancy” and “unintended pregnancy” interchangeably. So, for the sake of this article, we will, too.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an unplanned/unintended pregnancy is one, “that is reported to have been either unwanted (that is, the pregnancy occurred when no children, or no more children, were desired) or mistimed (that is, the pregnancy occurred earlier than desired).”
Using this definition, a study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that nearly half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned. That same study found that unplanned pregnancies among women in their late teens/early twenties as well as low-income women were two to three times higher than the national average.
Of course, all the statistics in the world do nothing to help when you find yourself in this predicament. In that moment, the only people who truly matter are you, your baby and those who love you most. The lone positive from the prevalence of unplanned pregnancies is that there is almost certainly someone nearby who can empathize and offer advice.
Even if you have well-intentioned and supportive parents, friends and loved ones, it can be difficult to talk openly with them, or even reveal your pregnancy in the first place. In some instances, you may actually find it easier to talk to and explore your pregnancy options with an impartial third-party.
At Sira in Gainesville, we offer no-charge pregnancy counseling to help you evaluate your pregnancy options and make informed decisions for your future. Many of our peer counselors have been where you are, and they are ready to provide compassionate guidance and connect you with resources that match your specific goals and needs.
If you are dealing with questions regarding an unplanned pregnancy, or if you know someone who is, contact Sira today at 352-377-4947 to schedule your free counseling session.