Pregnant Women with Medical Issues are a huge part of the many women who write to us. Many women often face serious health issues if they bring their pregnancy to term.

1) Female from Alabama, USA

My husband and I have had major finacial difficulties since the collapse of the economy. We have three beautiful children already and we are struggling just to put food on the table. We have done everything possible. I can not go back to work because of the cost of child care and we do not have any help from our family. In addition, I have been physically ill since March from the stress of all that we are enduring.

I can not even seek medical help because of the financial pressures. I do not take birth control because my body does not handle the hormones very well. In addition, in a pregnancy i stay very sick for 20 weeks. I also do not take any medications as the use of steroids for sinus problems is what has caused the majority of my health issues today. IT's a catch 22.

• Family Reaction: dis-owned by family, having significant financial
  difficulties. can't afford another child
• Age: 30 - 34
• Ethnic Group: Caucasian (White)
• Reason for Pregnancy: I used birth control but it did not work.
• Birth Control Used: We used a condom for men, Rhythm Method.

2) Female from Virginia, USA

My fiance and I are HIV positive. I recently found out that I am 13-15 weeks pregnant. In order to have an abortion this late it will cost as much as $600. Which we do not have, we are both not working. Of course if I can't afford that I can't afford a sick child along with us. Please if you can help, please do.

• Family Reaction: dis-owned by family
• Age: 25-29
• Ethnic Group: Caucasian (White)
• Reason for Pregnancy: I had consensual sex with someone I cared for
• Birth Control Used: I did not use birth control

3) Female from Kentucky, USA

I have cervical cancer and my child will be sick and I don't want it to live a sick life. The babys father has abandoned us as well.

• Age: 17-19
• Ethnic Group: Caucasian (White)

4) Female from Arkansas, USA

I had unprotected sex with somone I care about and became pregnant. I have a back problem that could literally take my life if I have this baby

• Family Reaction: school expulsion, beating from father or family member
• Age: 17-19
• Ethnic Group: Caucasian (White)
• Reason for Pregnancy: I had consensual sex with someone I cared for, I was intoxicated on alcohol or drugs due to my own actions. I had sex without being fully aware of the situation
• Birth Control Used: I did not use birth control

5) Female from the Bahamas

I am a 26 years old, and I was diagnosis with Cervial radiciolgy, I hope I am spelling it right. I was told that me and my husband cant have anymore kids cause it will be a risk that I must end up lose the use of my right side of my body.

This week I started feeling sick agian and we then found out I am 12weeks pregnant. I dont want to do an abortion by surgery. I cant do it. If you can help, please help.

• Family Reaction: dis-owned by family
• Age: 20-24
• Ethnic Group: other
• Reason for Pregnancy: I had consensual sex with someone I cared for
• Birth Control Used: Birth Control Pill

6) Female from Indiana, USA

I was using birth control but have had terrible blatter infections, probably from the ruff intercorse my husband forces me to have, and I am pregnant I guess from using the antibiotc. If he finds out I will be abused again so I can't ask him for money.

• Family Reaction: beating from husband, I am trying to run from him and cannot get a divorce if pregnant
• Age: 35 - 39
• Ethnic Group: Caucasian (White)
• Reason for Pregnancy: I used birth control but it did not work
• Birth Control Used: Birth Control Pill

7) Female from Nevada, USA

I got out of my two month hospital stay about two months ago from being in a severe car wreck, I had to learn how to walk and do everything on my own all over again. I have two fully metal limbs and my body is still getting used to functioning in that way. I know that I am on this Earth to bear children but my body would just not be able to handle it now.

• Family Reaction: husband leaves, dis-owned by family

8) Female from New Jersey, USA

I am 41 years old I am a breast cancer survivor I am unable to use any form of birth control because of the hormones in them and the type of cancer that I have. I've gone through a bilateral mastectomy with tram flap reconstruction and I can't afford to go and have an abortion because I am on a fixed income.

• Age: 40 or more
• Ethnic Group: African American
• Reason for Pregnancy: I had consensual sex with someone I cared for
• Birth Control Used: I did not use birth control

9) Female from Connecticut, USA

I have a 6 year old and a 2 year old. I work full time and have recently been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia; it is not healthy for me to be pregnant currently. My boyfriend was removed by the police from my home just last week for restraining me physically. I am in dire need of help and would rather this happen naturally than an uncomfortable medical procedure.Thank you

• Family Reaction: dis-owned by family, single mother of two, boyfriend gone
• Age: 30 - 34
• Ethnic Group: Caucasian (White)
• Reason for Pregnancy: I had consensual sex with someone I cared for, I used birth control but it did not work

10) Female from Kansas, USA

I am newly wed unemployed and my husband has made it very clear that we are in no financial status to have a child at this time. And I had several surgies as a child which has left a a scar 1 inch wide and starting from below my breasts and wrapping around my belly button. I had spoken to a doctor and she informed me that the scar would not stretch which could lead to serious health complications.

• Family Reaction: husband leaves, dis-owned by family
• Age: 20-24
• Ethnic Group:Mediterranean European
• Reason for Pregnancy:I used birth control but it did not work
• Birth Control Used: Birth Control Pill

11) Female from Illinois, USA

Well of coarse I became pregnant from careless UN protected sex.. I have two daughter's already that I'm struggling to raise... I don't feel it's fair to them to bring another child in the world onto p of their constant struggle..

• Family Reaction: Yes, he supports my decision
• Age: 23
• Ethnic Group: African American (Black)
• Reason for Pregnancy: I did not think I would get pregnant
• Birth Control Used: I did not use birth control

12) Female from Illinois, USA

I am considered a teen blatantly..but I had unprotected sex not too long ago. This was my first time and we used the pull out method.. I could not face the reality of having a child or dealing with one, I am not emotionally ready or nor is the father. My family would be ashamed and completely hurt by me. I do believe once the pregnancy goes further I will lose the father, which I am not with. I would not want to do abortion due to reasons, so I see natural miscarriage the better way.

• Family Reaction: Yes, he supports my decision
• Age: 18
• Ethnic Group: Caucasian (White)
• Reason for Pregnancy: Withdrawal Method, Douche (I washed myself afterwards)
• Birth Control Used: I did not use birth control

13) Female from Colorado, USA

I am in a long term monogamous relationship. I have had many health issues related to reproduction. The most recent was the discovery of a very large fibroid tumor on my uterus. I have had many culposcopies  due to abnormal paps. The biopsies have always been negative and nothing further was done. 1 1/2 years ago I started to see a new PCP. She referred me to a new OB/GYN after another abnormal pap. I had another culposcopy that ended up negative. The new OB wanted to be sure everything was ok due to my extensive family history of various cancers.

He suggested a LEEP. After researching and considering I decided it was a good idea. I was given aftercare pamphlets that explained the risks of miscarriage and still birth due to the LEEP. I was informed that due to the fibroid and the LEEP there was little to no chance I would be able to get pregnant. Well surprise to me! I was 2 days late which is not normal. I took 2 different home pregnancy tests and both were positive. At this time in my life I do not want children. I am too high risk and I don't have a desire to raise a child. I can not afford the medical or surgical abortion but make too much money to get financial assistance. The joys of owning a home that has been loosing money for years.

•  Family Reaction: He does not know about the pregnancy
• Age: 36
• Ethnic Group: Caucasian (White)
• Reason for Pregnancy:  I was told by my doctor I couldn't get pregnant
• Birth Control Used: Condom (male)

14) Woman from Texas, USA

My husband and I both have family history of depression, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and his family has a history of suicide. We do not want to have children because of this and have decided to abstain from pregnancy altogether. I am 38 and have been married for 13 years. We have always used some form of birth control. Unfortunately, it finally happened and we do not want children. I live in Texas, where finding an abortion clinic is like finding water in a desert. We don't want our families to know and I would have to take off of work to drive to the nearest city (6 hours away) to get to a clinic that offers abortion services, so I would like to try this naturally at home, before we have to travel for it.

• What is your ethnic background?: Hispanic/Latina
• What is your religion?: Christian
• What is your marital/relationship status?: Married
  
• Reaction: husband leaves, dis-owned by family
• Age: 25 - 29
• Ethnic Group: African American
• Reason for Pregnancy: I had consensual sex with someone I cared for
• Birth Control Used: Spermicide

15) Zimbabwean woman living in China

"IM A 24 YR OLD FEMALE I HAD GYNACOLOGICAL PROBLEMS FOR OVER TWO YEARS I WAS TOLD I COULDN'T CONCEIVE AND MY EX BOYFRIEND TOLD ME HE HAD PROBEMS WITH HIS TESTICLE TUBES AND SO HE COULDN'T HAVE CHILDREN. JUST TWO WEEKS AGO I STARTED FEELING FUNNY I DID A PREGNANCY TEST AND IT WAS POSITIVE HE BEAT ME UP AND WE BROKE UP.I AM A SINGLE MOTHER TO ANOTHER GIRL IM CURRENTLY STUDYING FOR MY BACHELOR'S DEGREE AND I CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE ANOTHER BABY."

• Age: 24
• What country are you CURRENTLY LIVING in? China
• What country were you BORN in?: Zimbabwe
• How many children do you have if any?: 1
• Is this unwanted pregnancy the result of consensual sex?: Yes it was consensual
• What is your relationship with the man who got you pregnant?: He is an ex-boyfriend or ex-husband

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