Pregnancy
The initial shock of an unintended pregnancy often leads to an overwhelming desire to react quickly. This is totally normal. It’s important that you try not to panic. You owe it to yourself to slow down and consider your options.
You can’t turn back time and change the fact that, today, you’re pregnant. But you can take the time to consider your next step. Asking yourself a few questions (like the following) can help you clarify what to do next.
- Who in my life really loves me and can be trusted with my questions?
- How do I really feel about parenting, abortion, and adoption? How did I feel about these choices before I became pregnant?
- How will I feel about my decision a year from now?
- Am I sure that my pregnancy is even viable? How can I find out?
These are the types of questions that our trained staff and volunteer advocates are able to help you answer. Schedule an appointment one of our four locations (in Lancaster, Columbia, Ephrata, and Lebanon, PA), and we’ll help you sort through your options.
In the meantime, the below information might help you as you consider your next steps.
You owe it to yourself to carefully consider all of your options when facing an unintended pregnancy. We do not profit from your pregnancy decision, no matter what you choose. We empower you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision.
We’re here to help, providing you with everything from free pregnancy tests to free parenting classes. All of the services we provide are 100% free, confidential, and non-judgmental.
We’ve been helping women and men deal with the stress and pressures of an unintended pregnancy for over thirty years. Hear their pregnancy stories and experiences first hand by reading their testimonials.
Need someone who will listen to you?
We’re Here For You
Since 1985, we have been serving women, men, & their parents dealing with the stress of an unintended pregnancy in Central Pennsylvania.
- For the Mother
We believe your life is important. You probably have many questions about what to do, where to go, and who to trust. You deserve accurate answers that put your care first.
- For the Father
We understand the pressure and uncertainty that you are experiencing. As you consider what the future may be for you and your partner, you need to find a non-judgmental resource to help you navigate these trying times.
- For the Grandparents
To see your child go through the stress of an unintended pregnancy is a terribly hard thing to do. We want to see them come through safe, healthy, and able to live a full life. You too need to find a resource you can trust to help your family through to the other side.
4 Steps To Managing An Unintended Pregnancy
- 1 - Know you are not alone. We are here for you.
No matter what choice you make, we don’t profit from your decision in any way. All our services are 100% free, confidential, and non-judgmental.
- 2 - Research your pregnancy options
An unintended pregnancy can cause you to feel like you have no options. This is a normal feeling that many women experience. Initial feelings of helplessness are common when first learning of an unintended pregnancy. It’s important to remember that you still have choices.
Every woman has the right to consider her options of parenting, adoption, and abortion. If you would like to learn more about a particular option, we’ll carefully review that requested information with you. You can tell us when you’ve heard enough, and we’ll respect your choice. Your voice matters to us. We’re here for you.
- 3 - Know the risks involved
All choices have perceived benefits and risks. We will share clinically-accurate information with you and help you sort through the risks and benefits so that you can make an informed decision.
- 4 - Seek help from qualified professionals
We’re here for you. We’ve been helping women and men deal with the stress of unintended pregnancy since 1985. We’ll help you evaluate all of your options so that you can make the best choice for you. We can also refer you to local community resources that can help with you with your specific needs that are outside the scope of our services. We don’t profit in any way from your pregnancy choice.
All of our services are 100% FREE, confidential, and non-judgmental, including:
- Pregnancy Tests
- Medically-Accurate Abortion Information
- Pregnancy Ultrasounds (first-trimester limited obstetrical ultrasounds) for those who qualify
- Pregnancy Options Education to help you make an informed pregnancy decision
- Prenatal Classes (individually tailored)
- Material Assistance for you and your baby
- Referrals to local community services such as shelter, housing, and food assistance
Align Pregnancy Services is here to help. We have locations throughout Lancaster and Lebanon Counties.
Pregnancy FAQs
How can I tell if I'm pregnant?
Align Pregnancy Services offers free pregnancy tests and free limited first-trimester ultrasounds (obstetrical) to eligible clients to help you determine if you are pregnant. This ultrasound enables you to confirm that your pregnancy is viable and also establishes accurate dating of your pregnancy – two pieces of information that are very helpful to know as you consider your pregnancy options. Contact us to schedule an appointment to see if you qualify for this vital, free service.
Do I need an appointment?
What do I need to bring with me to an appointment?
If you have a photo ID, please bring it with you to your first appointment. Our services are all 100% free. Contact us if you have any questions.
Do I have to tell my parents?
According to Pennsylvania law, a minor of 14 years of age or older is able to access a range of care services without parental notification or consent. Care providers are required to protect client confidentiality. If you are 14 years of age or older, you are legally able to access the free services provided by Align Pregnancy Services without parental notification or consent. Our free pregnancy services include pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, abortion clinic information, and other help along the way. We’ll walk with you! Get in touch with us by finding a location near you.
Do I have to tell the father?
Each person’s situation is unique. You may find it helpful to talk through your circumstances with someone who will listen to you non-judgmentally and help you sort through your options as you decide what is best for you. You are not required by law to tell the father of your baby about your pregnancy.
Do I have to drop out of school if I decide to carry my baby to term?
Federal law protects the rights of a pregnant student who decides to continue her pregnancy and requires that learning institutions make accommodations for her throughout her pregnancy. Please refer to the Title IX page of our website for details (or contact us).
How long can I wait to get an abortion?
How much time you have to make your pregnancy decision depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy at the time you make your choice. We can help you by providing accurate abortion information for your stage of pregnancy (contact us). In Pennsylvania, abortions are legal until the twenty-fourth week of pregnancy. After that time, only rare circumstances will legally allow for an abortion to take place. We can help you consider all your pregnancy options. We provide free, limited first-trimester ultrasounds (to eligible women) in order to confirm pregnancy viability and to establish pregnancy dating. Contact us to schedule an appointment (it’s free, confidential, and non-judgmental).
Is there help available for me if I want to parent my baby?
Yes! Most women are very surprised at the wide range of community services available to them if they choose to parent their baby. Being a parent is hard work. Being a single parent is even harder. But moms and dads don’t have to face the responsibility alone. Align Pregnancy Services can provide you with a wide range of free parenting support and connect you to community services that will provide you with even more additional support. Housing, baby supplies and gear, education, health care, food assistance, and more are available to help young parents in Central PA. Learn more »
Are there eligibility requirements?
We welcome all people who can benefit from our services. We serve everyone regardless of income, residency status, enrollment in other social services programs, marital status (unmarried or married), etc. Our services are 100% free and available to anyone who would like our assistance. We’re here for you! Get in touch with us by finding a location near you.
Do I have to be a Christian to benefit from your services?
No. We welcome all clients regardless of their spiritual beliefs. While all services offered at Align come from a biblical point of view, we believe that you have the freedom to make your own lifestyle choices and choose the Align services that are most helpful given your circumstances. As an expression of the love of Jesus, we offer all of our services free of charge to our clients. We’re here for you! Get in touch with us by finding a location near you.