Unplanned pregnancy can be a very difficult and emotional experience for a woman. Options Counseling is one way to empower yourself in this difficult situation. It can allow you to make a well-informed and carefully thought-out decision. If you are unsure if you are pregnant, you should get a pregnancy test by a health care provider. There is information on this page regarding places that provide confidential/anonymous testing.
Pregnancy options counseling is counseling for pregnant women intended to help them come to a decision regarding an unplanned pregnancy. The choices that are discussed in options counseling include terminating the pregnancy (abortion) or completing the pregnancy (giving birth), including the choice of parenting (single parenting or with partner) or adoption (open or closed).
Statistics indicate that unplanned pregnancies are quite common, but circumstances differ greatly for each individual facing this experience. You and those close to you may have strong opinions related to pregnancy; options counseling can provide a safe place to talk about your unplanned pregnancy and gain knowledge about your options.
Pregnancy options counseling should be non-directive, unbiased, nonjudgmental, and focused on helping the woman make a decision that is best for her. It should not encourage or discourage a particular choice. Counselors also help by providing correct information regarding each option and support services that are available. In counseling you may explore topics such as you your feelings about the pregnancy, values, resources, relationships, goals, overall well-being, and plans for the future.
It is important to start the counseling process as early as possible to ensure that you remain healthy and have time to consider all of your options.
Local Resources
Rider University Student Health Center
Student Health Center offers pregnancy testing. For services call 609-896-5060. The center is located in the Poyda residence hall.
Rider University Counseling Center
Counseling Center offers options consultation and counseling as well as referral to other resources. For services call 609-896-5157. Our center is at Zoerner House.
Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood is a trusted provider of reproductive health care and can provide confidential/anonymous pregnancy testing and care as well as options counseling.
Planned Parenthood has several locations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and all other states. Below are a few locations nearby Rider University but click on the link below and find the center closest to you.
| Hamilton Health Center 2279 State Hwy 33 Golden Crest Corporate Center, Suite 510 Hamilton Square, NJ 08690 Phone: 609-599-4881 |
Trenton Health Center 437 East State Street, Unit 1 Trenton, NJ 08608 Phone: 609-599-4881 |
| College of NJ Health Center 2000 Pennington Rd Eickhoff Hall Ewing, NJ 08628 Phone: 609-771-2110 |
Bristol Health Center 721 Veterans Highway Bristol, PA 19007 Phone: 215-785-4591 |
| Bensalem Health Center Centre Plaza Shopping Center 2185 Galloway Road Bensalem, PA 19020 Phone: 215-638-0629 |
Flemington Health Center 349 Rt 31 South, Building B, Suite 503 Flemington, NJ 08822 Phone: 908-782-7727 |
Additional Resources
Continuation of Pregnancy Focused Resources
The Adoption Program of Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey
Call 609-699-4111 or visit https://www.lsmnj.org/. Someone is available to talk 24/7 at 1-888-325-6621.
Adoption Services
Provides free financial, medical, and emotional assistance and information to pregnant women, birth mothers and parents regardless of whether you are placing a child for adoption or are raising your child yourself.
All for Children
1-877-40-adopt, email [email protected] or visit their website at www.allforchildrenadoption.org.
The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey
Help find loving families for children. Someone is available 24/7 to speak at their toll-free pregnancy helpline 1-800-CHS of NJ (1-800-247-6365).
American Pregnancy Association
The American Pregnancy Association is a national health organization committed to promoting reproductive and pregnancy wellness. The website provides information regarding options and resources in cases of unplanned pregnancy.
The Helpline
Toll-free helpline to meet the needs of those with unexpected pregnancies by providing access to information and support. The Helpline is a life-affirming site that does not make referrals to abortion providers. Call 1-866-942-6466 to speak with someone 24/7.
Options Line
Began by two faith-based organizations — Heartbeat International and Care Net, to provide caring, confidential support to anyone affected by an unexpected pregnancy. Consultants are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via a toll-free phone number, email or live chat. Visit optionline.org or call 800-395-4357 to speak to someone who is available 24/7.
Termination Focused Resources
Princeton Women’s Center
The Center offers abortion services. Call 609-514-9191 or 800-216-0016 (toll free) or find out more information at their website.
Located at: 29 Emmons Drive, Bldg. E-20
Princeton, NJ 08540
Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood is a trusted provider of reproductive health care and can provide confidential/anonymous pregnancy testing and care as well as options counseling. Planned Parenthood has several locations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and all other states. There are a few locations nearby Rider University but click on this link and find the center closest to you.
American Women’s Services
Provides women's reproductive health services and abortion services are provided in private practice office settings to assure confidentiality and individual support for each woman. Call us toll-free, at 1-888-ABORTION, 24/7 to speak to a professional who can answer your questions and make an appointment for you.
National Abortion Federation
Their purpose is to provide accurate information and resources to women about abortion. Call the hotline for more information about abortion. NAF Hotline: 1-800-772-9100; Find a provider: 1-877-257-0012.
Post Abortion Services
For help with post abortion assistance, call 1-866-4 EXHALE or visit www.4exhale.org.