Here's all the information you need if you are facing a crisis pregnancy.
If you have just discovered you are pregnant and it was unplanned, you may be feeling confused, upset and in some cases worried but know that you are not alone.
You have many options and there is someone you can talk to in confidence without feeling judged. It can help to talk to someone who can help you find the answers to your questions.
Funded by the HSE, My Options is a completely free crisis pregnancy service available to all women in Ireland. It provides confidential information and advice for those who are experiencing an unintended pregnancy.
The My Options helpline can provide you with compassionate, trustworthy information and support on all your options. This includes continued pregnancy supports and termination of pregnancy services.
The service is available six days a week from Monday to Friday between 9 am to 9 pm and Saturdays between 10 am to 2 pm. Simply freephone 1800 828 010 for support between those hours.
The service also offers medical advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, a webchat service, an Irish sign language interpreting service and they can provide an interpreter for over 200 different languages over the telephone.
Alongside the helpline, My Options offer free counselling services operated by professional and accredited counsellors while also funding various counselling services nationwide.
For example, the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) can talk you through your options at ten locations across Ireland. The pregnancy counselling services are available at ten centres around the country including Cork, Dublin City, Dundalk, Galway, Gorey, Letterkenny, Limerick, Sligo, Tallaght and Waterford.
Other HSE-funded services offering non-directive, non-judgemental counselling include:
- Midlands Crisis Counselling Services
- Mayo Crisis Pregnancy Counselling Service
- SouthWest Counselling Centre
- Ballinasloe Crisis Pregnancy Support Service
- Dublin Well Woman Centre
- WestCork Crisis Pregnancy Counselling Service
Many doctors also provide confidential services for women with unplanned pregnancies so it's worth considering contacting your GP if you need help and support.
Is there anything else I should know?
In recent months, the HSE has issued warnings over a number of unplanned pregnancy agencies that may have a hidden agenda. In particular, one rogue website positioned itself as a supportive resource for women experiencing a crisis pregnancy. However, upon meeting with vulnerable women, they delivered an alternative message in the hope of influencing their decision. Beware of fake crisis pregnancy agencies.
