Life is full of pleasant surprises, as well as unexpected challenges. For some, an unplanned pregnancy may fall into the first category. But if your unintended pregnancy feels overwhelming, confusing, or even scary, you are certainly not alone.
An unexpected pregnancy is a life-changing event, and knowing what to do next is not always easy. Here, read more about your unplanned or unwanted pregnancy options.
What are my options if I’m pregnant?
As a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy, you have three options: parenting, abortion, or adoption. You are the only person who can decide which of these unplanned pregnancy options is best for you and your baby — but there are plenty of available resources and information that may help you make an informed decision.
As you explore your pregnancy options, consider the information below. And remember that you do not need to be committed to an adoption plan before contacting Claiborne | Fox | Bradley | Goldman — we can provide you with additional information and resources as you make your decision.
Am I ready to be a parent?
After learning of an unexpected pregnancy, one of the first questions you may ask yourself is, “Should I keep my baby?” There are many factors to consider before deciding to raise your baby, including:
- Between food, healthcare, education, and other essentials, children can be expensive. Develop a budget and consider whether you have the financial resources you need to care for a child at this time in your life.
- Is your current life situation and home environment suitable for a child? Do you have the time and energy to dedicate to a new baby? Think about your future plans and goals, and ask yourself whether a new baby fits into your current and desired lifestyle.
- Becoming a new parent is challenging, and becoming a single parent can be even more difficult. If you decide to raise your baby, develop a strong support system of friends, family members, and the baby’s father, if possible.
These are just a few of the factors to consider when deciding whether you are ready to be a parent. But what are your options if you’re pregnant and don’t feel that you are ready to raise a child?
Should I get an abortion?
If you decide that you are not ready to parent, you may be debating between your other options for unplanned pregnancy — adoption vs. abortion. Georgia and North Carolina both have high quality doctors who are able to advise you if you are considering terminating a pregnancy. As you consider your options for unwanted pregnancy, you should immediately consult with a reputable doctor.
If you decide that abortion is not the right decision for you, you may be considering a third option — adoption.
How do I know if adoption is right for me?
For some brave and selfless women, adoption is the best of both worlds: it allows them to give their baby a life full of love and opportunity, while continuing to pursue their own goals and remaining a part of their child’s life.
But adoption is a big decision with a lifelong impact, and it can be difficult to know whether it is truly right for you. Here are some factors to consider as you weigh your pregnancy and adoption options:
- As a prospective birth mother, adoption services are always provided at no cost to you. In addition, you may be able to receive additional financial assistance to help cover living and medical expenses during pregnancy.
- Regardless of the stage of your pregnancy, it is never too late to choose adoption. You can begin making an adoption plan as early or as late in your pregnancy as you like. And you have the right to change your mind about the adoption at any point during the process — your decision does not become permanent until you sign the legal paperwork after your baby’s birth.
- Your adoption decision will have a lifelong emotional impact. But while you may struggle with feelings of grief and loss, you will also be able to experience the joy of watching your child grow up, staying involved in his or her life and giving an incredible gift to hopeful adoptive parents. Throughout the adoption process and following placement, adoption counselors are available to provide the emotional support you need to feel confident in your adoption decision.
By choosing adoption, you can take control of your situation and make a proactive plan for your baby’s future. However, adoption can complicated, and it is important to speak with an experienced professional who can provide the emotional support, legal advice, and services you need to make a fully informed adoption decision.
How do I decide between parenting, abortion, and adoption?
As you explore your options for pregnancy, it is important to do careful research and to seek support from you loved ones — but the most important factors to consider are your personal circumstances and beliefs.
Despite the opinions of your friends, family members, the baby’s father, or adoption professionals, you are the only person who can decide how you feel about parenting vs. adoption or abortion. No one can tell you to choose adoption instead of abortion, abortion instead of parenting, or parenting instead of adoption.
To learn more about the options of pregnancy, contact Claiborne | Fox | Bradley | Goldman today for free information. Your call is confidential and does not obligate you to proceed with adoption.
