UNPLANNED PREGNANCY & UNWANTED PREGNANCY OPTIONS

Even in ideal circumstances, there are many things to take into consideration during a pregnancy, but, an unplanned pregnancy has challenges of its own.

It is important to know that support is available and that you don’t need to face this alone. We at Adoption Network are available to answer your questions and provide the support and resources you need to make the best decision for you and your baby. Take time during your pregnancy to think things through and to seek out assistance. Whatever you choose to do, whether you make an adoption plan, decide to parent, or arrange for an abortion: the decision is yours. Examine the consequences and find the right people to help you and make your plan.

ADOPTION

If you are not going to be able to parent, placing your baby for adoption is an option to consider. If you decide to work with Adoption Network, you will be supported throughout the process. You deserve a support system who is concerned with your best interest and will ensure that your voice is heard and your wishes are met. Adoption Network is able to provide you with no-cost services, education, resources, and support.

What does adoption cost?

Birth Parents are not responsible for legal fees or agency fees. Financial assistance for some medical and living expenses may be available in accordance with state law. Adoptive Parents are responsible for covering these costs. Your Adoption Advisor provided by Adoption Network will discuss with you what your state allows for medical and living expenses during your pregnancy.

Adoption choices:

When considering adoption, there are many choices that you will be asked to make—from choosing an Adoptive Family for your baby to deciding how much and what kind of contact you want after placement. Like any other choice, in order to make the best decision, it is important that you do your research and take the time to think things through.

Consider:

When considering adoption, there are many choices you will be asked to make—from choosing an Adoptive Family to deciding how much contact you want after placement. Would you want your baby to be raised in a family that is similar to or different from the one that raised you? Would you want your baby to be raised in the same region of the country as you were, or somewhere completely different? (Rural or farm-like environment? Big City? Small Town?) Adoption Network will make profiles of Waiting Families available to you. All of our families waiting to adopt must meet their state’s home study requirements prior to adopting, so you can feel assured that a warm, secure, and loving home will be provided for your child. Our Adoption Advisors will discuss with you the different forms of communication and post-adoption contact you can have with the adoptive family and find one that makes you most comfortable. Like any other choice, it’s important that you do your research in order to make the best decision.

Impact of adoption:

Adoption affects everyone in different ways and at different times. Love, loss, gratitude, guilt, relief and resolution are common feelings that are expressed by those who are touched by an adoption. Adoption Network has a team of support for birth parents including birth parent mentors, adoption advisors, adoption specialists and resources for professional counseling. Birth Parents should also seek out trusted friends, support groups, or understanding counselors in order to have a safe place to communicate their feelings about their adoption plans or experience.

PARENTING

Parenting means that you are responsible for your baby 24 hours a day / 7 days a week / 365 days a year. Many women experience big and unexpected changes in their lives when becoming a parent, and find themselves having to adjust their expectations for their future. They may not be able to finish school as hoped, or they may have to put a career path on hold, both of which can have lasting effects on both the life of the parent and the life of the baby. In addition to deferring future goals, current hobbies and social interests will take a back seat, or at least change in nature when parenting a child. Many women still choose parenthood and continue to live their lives with the added expense and challenges of raising a child.

Consider:

How will you afford to take care of your baby?

Where will you and your baby live? Is it a suitable and safe place for a baby?

Will you be able to continue your schooling or maintain a job?

Who will provide child care when you are away?

Is the baby’s father involved? Is he willing and available to help provide care?

How will you provide for your baby’s medical care?

Are you willing to adjust your social life to be present for your child?

What does it cost to raise a child?

According to the latest annual report from the US Department of Agriculture, the average cost of raising a child until age 18 is approximately $233,610.

A word about teen parents:

Almost all teenage pregnancies are unplanned. While pregnancy and parenthood is a challenge for any woman, there are special considerations and risks for teens.

• Only 50% of teen mothers receive a high school diploma before age 22.
• Daughters of teen mothers are more likely to become teen mothers themselves.
• Nearly 80% of teen fathers do not marry the mother.
• On average, absent teen fathers pay less than $800 per year in child support.
• 78% of children born to unmarried teen mothers without a high school diploma live in poverty.

ABORTION

If you know that you are not ready to parent and it is still early enough in your pregnancy, abortion is an option. Abortion is the deliberate termination of a human pregnancy. Although most often performed during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy, activists in many states have recently encouraged lawmakers to make changes to laws in an attempt to limit how far in a pregnancy a termination may be performed, and by whom. As a result, access to abortion may become less available in your state, especially after the first trimester.

What does an abortion cost?
According to Planned Parenthood’s® website, an abortion performed during the first trimester can cost up to $1,500, depending on the abortion method used.

Abortion side effects:

Abortion side effects may include: bleeding, abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, vomiting, and headache. Sometimes side effects can be serious or fatal. Abortion is not only a medical procedure, but it can be an emotional one as well.

• Many women report feelings of anger, regret, guilt or sadness after abortion.
• Some women request post-abortion counseling to deal with the emotional and psychological effects of terminating their pregnancy.

While others may pressure you or provide advice, you should be allowed to think through your options and make the final decision. Adoption Network offers a safe and non-judgmental environment to talk about pregnancy, parenting, adoption, and abortion. Our adoption professionals will go over what the adoption process would look like for you in your current situation and state, as well as whether an adoption plan is the best option for you. No matter what you decide, we are here to provide the support that you need to make the choice that is right for you.

DOWNLOAD the full “Pregnancy & Adoption Planning Guide” here