Families in need

The news of a pregnancy does not always trigger feelings of happiness. Sometimes the pregnancy is completely unexpected, sometimes the anticipation of having a child is clouded by great worry, despair or financial hardship. Quick and unbureaucratic support is particularly important in this situation. Many advice centers in North Rhine-Westphalia offer help even before the birth.

When an unwanted pregnancy throws life planning into question, bursts into the middle of a crisis situation or there is not enough money to feed the family, the question arises as to what to do next. North Rhine-Westphalia has a comprehensive network of counseling services. Pregnant women and fathers-to-be receive information, advice and support from competent specialists. The services are free of charge, accessible to every woman and anonymous if desired.

Few things change your life like a child. If difficult life circumstances are added to the pregnancy, pregnant women and fathers-to-be are often faced with the question: "Can I/can we manage?" In this situation, a conversation with experienced professionals can help. The advisors at the pregnancy advice centers provide competent and empathetic support in financial, social and family emergencies.

Don't be afraid to seek help. You will receive the following support at the advice centers:

• Information on pregnancy, birth and the time afterwards
• Information on social benefits and financial assistance for families and single parents
• Applying for funding from the Federal Foundation Mother and Child
• Support with applications and dealing with authorities
• Help with the search for an apartment
• Pregnancy conflict counseling
• Information about the possibility of an abortion
• Information about confidential birth and adoption

The "Federal Foundation Mother and Child - Protection of Unborn Life" helps pregnant women in emergency situations. With its financial support, the foundation aims to help make the decision to continue the pregnancy easier.

Foundation funds are available to (expectant) mothers,

• If you do not have enough money to cover the costs of the pregnancy and birth as well as the care and upbringing of the child,
• and other benefits are not sufficient to cover the expenses incurred.

The prerequisite is that you live in Germany and have a medical pregnancy test.

Foundation funds can also be applied for by women with refugee experience.

The funds can be used, for example, for maternity clothing, initial baby equipment, household management or childcare. The amount and duration of the benefits depend on your personal circumstances.

To receive help from the Federal Foundation, contact a pregnancy advice center in your area directly. The staff can give you detailed advice on all financial and social assistance and help you fill out the applications. You can find the addresses of a local advice center and information sheets in many foreign languages on the website of the Federal Foundation Mother and Child.

There are various reasons why some girls and women are afraid of their unwanted pregnancy being discovered. Perhaps you are very afraid of your partner, are in Germany illegally or are under immense pressure due to cultural or religious constraints? If you cannot imagine life with a child in an absolute emergency situation, there are the following ways to give birth: