If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be looking for advice or information of your options. Consider this article advice from birth moms, who have placed their baby for adoption, and professionals who are specialized in adoption services for women facing an unplanned or crisis pregnancy.
“Follow your heart. Don’t listen to what others may tell you to do. Listen to what your heart tells you. You alone have to feel in your heart it is the right thing to do.”
When placing a baby up for adoption, pros and cons need to be considered. When a birth mom tells us, “I want to place my baby for adoption,” it’s often because of one of these reasons:
- Lack of financial resources or support can cause significant stress. If financial support is not available, then you need child care resources to be able to work and provide for the expenses of raising a child.
- Unwanted or unplanned pregnancy can be a shock. If a pregnancy was unplanned, the environment needed to raise a child may or may not be available. When unplanned, you are less prepared to handle the pregnancy and the responsibilities of being a parent.
- Age of birth mother can be a factor, especially if you are too young to be able to raise a child.
- Health problems can be an obstacle for you to be able to care for a baby if chronic or terminal illness or disease impacts your life.
- Drug or alcohol addictions can threaten your physical and mental health and create an unstable and sometimes unsafe environment or lifestyle for a child.
- Not being ready or able to parent a child, especially if a pregnancy was unplanned or you are too young. If you are older and have children and experience an unplanned pregnancy, you may not be ready or able to support another child.
- Single parenting isn’t desired. The struggle of parenting alone or accepting the responsibility of parenthood without a committed partner and stable relationship can be overwhelming.
Because your individual circumstances are unique, so is every adoption and every adoption plan. Despite the stigma of adoptions’ past, the benefits and the positive impact of adoption on birth moms and children are significant. A glimpse into the lives of birth moms and adopted children shows that adoption has a high rate of success and improves long-term health, well-being, safety and stability.
Birth moms may struggle with the decision, but when you’re not ready for an unplanned pregnancy and the responsibility of parenthood, adoption can lead to a positive outcome. Here’s what a few birth moms have to say:
“I know they are giving him a life I couldn’t give him. I know they love him as much as I do.” Shelley
“Difficulties I have in my life have helped me confirm that I made the right decision to place my baby for adoption.” Melanie
“I feel like adoption was the right thing to do given my circumstances. It is still a struggle some days, but I still believe she is with the family she was destined to be with.” Serena
Pregnancy may not have been a part of your plan – and that’s okay! Adoption is an option and can be a loving and positive experience for everyone involved! Call Adoption Choices of Texas for support!
Serving Expectant Parents Statewide Expectant Parent Hotline (24/7): 855-304-4673 (HOPE)
