I’m Pregnant and Can’t Keep My Baby - What Are My Options?

If you’re pregnant and feel like you can’t raise your baby – whether it’s because of financial hardship, relationship struggles, lack of support, or fear of judgment – please know this:

You are not alone.
You are not a bad person.
And you still have options.

At Adoption Network Law Center (ANLC), we’ve helped thousands of women in situations just like yours make informed, compassionate decisions about their future and their child’s.

Let’s walk through what those options are, and how you can get support – starting today.

First, Know This: You Have the Right to Choose

If parenting doesn’t feel possible right now, you have the legal right to consider other paths, including:

Making an adoption plan

You can choose a family, decide how much contact you want, and receive support throughout your pregnancy — and after. Adoption is not giving up. It’s creating a plan for your baby’s future, built on love, strength, and intention.

Exploring temporary support programs

There may be local or state programs that can provide short-term assistance with housing, food, or childcare. Our team can help connect you with trusted resources.

Getting judgment-free guidance

Even if you’re not sure what you want yet, we’ll walk you through all your options — confidentially and with no pressure.

What Does Modern Adoption Look Like?

Adoption today is not what it used to be. You stay in control from the beginning.

You can:

• Choose the family
• Decide on an open, semi-open, or closed adoption
• Make a birth plan that’s centered on your comfort and wishes
• Get financial support for certain pregnancy-related expenses (where allowed by law)
• Receive emotional support before, during, and after birth

Whether you’re a teenager, in your 30s, or anywhere in between — whether this is your first child or not — adoption can be a healing and empowering choice.

When Is It Too Late?

Never. Women reach out to us:

• In their first trimester
• Weeks before giving birth
• From the hospital after delivery
• Even after taking their baby home

It’s never too late to ask for help or create an adoption plan. You still have options — and your voice still matters.

What If I Want to Keep This Private?

You don’t have to tell your family, friends, or the baby’s father. We offer confidential support, and in many states, you can make an adoption plan without notifying others (depending on your age and circumstances).

If you’re in a difficult or unsafe situation, we can help you find a path forward that protects your safety and dignity.

Key Adoption Agency Considerations

Being pregnant and unsure of what to do can feel incredibly isolating. But please know this:

You are not broken.
You are not alone.
And you are not out of options.

Whatever you choose, we are here to support you with compassion, legal clarity, and respect.