Unplanned pregnancy
If using emergency contraception is not an option, there may be a risk of pregnancy.
Also known as the morning after pill, this can be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of a sexual assault happening. This pill stops a woman from becoming pregnant.
If you do become pregnant after being sexually assaulted, the sooner you find this out the better. You will have more time to think about your options which are:
- To continue with the pregnancy and raise the child
- To continue with the pregnancy and arrange for someone else to raise the child
- To terminate the pregnancy.
Each of these options has challenges but with good support you can work out what is right for you.
Someone to talk to
To help you work out what you want to do, you can talk to:
- A Counsellor at a Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA): phone 1800 806 292.
- A Counsellor at the National Pregnancy Support Helpline: phone 1800 422 213 www.health.gov.au/pregnancyhelpline
Who is a counsellor?
A professional who has been specially trained to support people who have been sexually assaulted or abused. The Counsellor can also speak with medical and legal services on behalf of the person if they want this.
Links
If you decide to raise the child:
- National Council for Single Mothers and their Children
- Centrelink
- Youth Central - Maternal and Child Health centres
If you decide the child should be raised by someone else:
Terminating the pregnancy
For more informationFor more information about this or to contact the South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault go to the SECASA website. |
