Women wondering what to do when faced with an unplanned, unexpected, or crisis pregnancy generally have three options: raise the child, end the pregnancy, or place the child for adoption. It is important to learn as much as you can about all of these options so you can make an informed decision you feel good about.
Adoption
- Women choose adoption out of love for their babies. An unfortunately common misconception is that women who place their babies for adoption are selfish or irresponsible. Rather than “giving up” their babies, these women make a difficult, loving decision in the best interests of their children.
- There are a variety of adoption professionals. Many women choose to work with adoption agencies because they provide all of the necessary adoption services and more. Others may only need certain services and choose to work with an adoption attorney, facilitator, or law center.
- You are in charge of your baby’s adoption. Adoption is your decision, and you will be in control of the process from beginning to end.
- You get to choose and meet the baby’s family. Agencies like Adoption Choices of Texas have adoptive family profiles to help you find the perfect family for your baby. Over the course of your pregnancy, you will be able to get to know them and ask them questions.
- Adoption does not cost any money for birth mothers. In many cases, you may be eligible for compensation for pregnancy-related expenses.
- Feelings of grief after an adoption are normal. Even in a perfect adoption experience, it is impossible not to wonder what life raising your baby would have been like. These feelings are not a sign that you have made the wrong decision, only that you love your baby.
- You can have a lifelong relationship with your baby and the family. Because of open and semi-open adoptions, adoption is no longer a permanent goodbye. You can see your child grow up, know how he or she is doing, and even talk to him or her about adoption.
Abortion
- Women choose abortion for various reasons. Some of the more common reasons a woman in your position might choose abortion include a desire to maintain privacy about a pregnancy or avoid the risks of pregnancy and childbirth.
- There are two ways to obtain an abortion. Medical and surgical abortions are two different processes, each with advantages and disadvantages. Both must be done early in a pregnancy.
- Each state has abortion laws. You may have to take specific measures to obtain an abortion, especially if you are under 18 years of age. Visit Planned Parenthood for more information.
- The cost of abortion can vary. Abortion costs will depend on where you live, the facility you go to, the type of abortion you have and more.
- While generally safe, there are some medical risks. There are some common, mild side effects of abortion, as well as rare, more severe ones. However, serious complications arise in less than one percent of abortions. Generally, neither type of abortion affects your future chances of getting pregnant.
- There are also emotional risks of abortion. Some women may feel grief and loss after an abortion. There are many things you can do to prepare for this beforehand and recover afterward.
- Not all information you will find is reliable. There are “crisis pregnancy centers” all around the country that are actually run by anti-abortion advocates. These places provide biased, misleading, and sometimes plain false information to vulnerable women.
Parenting
- If you are considering parenting, ask these questions:
- Am I in a stable financial situation?
- Can I provide a healthy home environment for a child?
- Do I want to be a parent?
- Do I want to be a parent now?
- Education or career goals may be put on hold. When you decide to parent, raising your child becomes your first priority. The emotional and financial responsibilities of parenting might mean that school or certain jobs need to wait.
- The outlook on single parenting is changing every day. The stigma surrounding unplanned pregnancy and single parenting has decreased immensely in recent years. Today, single parents are raising families more successfully than ever.
- It costs over $245,000 to raise a child. From birth to age 18, the costs of raising a child include expenses like housing, education, food, and healthcare.
- You have resources available to help you. Visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway and Parents Without Partners for information, education, and more.
Wondering what to do if you’re pregnant is not only normal, but it also demonstrates extreme selflessness and maturity by putting your child’s needs first. For more information about what to do if you accidentally get pregnant, you may contact an adoption specialist today confidentially and with no obligation at Adoption Choices of Texas or click to call 855-304-4673 (HOPE).
