Hi, don't really know how to start this so it might not make proper sense, apologies in advance!
So I'm 23 and found out I'm pregnant, been with my bf for 10 months, I was on the pill and hadn't taken any antibiotics so it's really a shock. Obviously totally unplanned. My bfs first reaction was to get rid of it, there was absolutely no discussion whatsoever, he was very adamant. I didn't really argue at first because I was in complete shock and it hadn't really sunken in. He then took himself off for a weeks holiday and was very sporadic with keeping in touch. During this time I had a really bad bout of morning sickness, ended up going to hospital because I was so worried and after trying to contact him several times and leaving him teary voicemail messages there was nothing from him until about 2 days later.
When I finally saw him again he was still completely against me having it. I'm not stupid, I've thought about everything logically. I'm under no illusion that this is going to be easy, and to be honest I've not really factored him into it when considering how I would raise it, I've thought about it from the point of being a single mum because he's made it clear he doesn't want it, which I find extremely hurtful. I understand his reasons for not wanting it, they're the same reasons I thought myself, but when I saw the scan and the baby's heartbeat I just knew I couldn't have an abortion, the idea makes me feel physically sick. When I showed him the scan picture he had absolutely no emotion, it was like it was nothing which just angered me even more.
This may all sound like I've made up my mind, and to be honest I probably have. My worry is his involvement after the child is born. He's said he would be involved, but I know from past experience (it hasn't been the easiest relationship) that he is far too immature to be able to deal with being a parent. I myself grew up with a dad that was only around every now and then, and I can say that it has deeply affected me as an adult and I found it extremely difficult to deal with. My mum has said that she wished she'd stopped my dad being involved (she would have been well within her rights to do so) because she found it so difficult to comfort me when he didn't show up for a visit, but because I already had a relationship with him she felt it was too late.
Do I have any rights to stop him seeing this child? I've read a few bits and pieces online, but there's nothing concrete. I've seen that if I don't put his name on the birth certificate it sort of decreases his rights, and I can ask him to sign away his paternal rights? I understand that this means he doesn't have to give me any money by law but I don't really care about that. I understand this sounds awful and for an outsider it might seem harsh but I really think it would be better for the child, and my gut feeling is that he won't really be that bothered. The only other thing is that his parents are quite strict Catholics, so I think they would want to be involved and would force him to be, but I think that would be for the wrong reasons. I would have no problem with them seeing their grandchild, they live a few hours drive away anyway so it wouldn't be regular. I just really don't want him involved. The man is incapable of any emotion, he can't even hold my hand or kiss me. I've said everything like how when you have a baby and its yours you have so much love for it, when the baby wraps their hand round your finger its amazing but he is just not interested. He hates children which is something I've always known, he's 25 but behaves like a 16 year old. Things between us really came to a head about a week before I found out I was pregnant, he had actually given me chlamydia so it's a miracle I even conceived in the first place (this has all been treated now before anyone worries about the baby-i know its dangerous) He stopped using condoms with me when I went onto the pill, knowing that he had it and chose not to tell me until the end of June, about 5 months later, ironically right around the week I conceived. So you can see what sort of person he is.
I'm sorry for this being so long and I know it's a longshot, I just wondered if anyone had ever found themselves in a similar position or could offer me any advice. I've spoken to family and friends (not my mum yet, I wanted to have a fair idea of what I was doing before I did) and have a lot of support. I understand everyone is entitled to their opinion and people might think I'm being out of order but I would appreciate it if people disagree not to be too strong in voicing their opinions. I've read a few topics though and it seems like a friendly place, I've just had bad experiences on forums before! I really appreciate any advice whatsoever, I've never felt more confused, on the one hand I'm so excited that I could have a baby in 7 months, but sad that it's in these circumstances.
Don't know if you need to know this but I'm 9 and 1/2 weeks pregnant and based in Northern Ireland.