If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and wondering if abortion is your only option—the answer is no. You have other choices for your pregnancy: parenting and adoption. While these options require you to carry your pregnancy to term, they are the only choices that give your pregnancy a future.
Read on to learn more about these options and how to choose what’s best for your situation. Or, if you want to talk to someone in person about your pregnancy choices, contact Cornerstone Women’s Resource Center today. All appointments are free and confidential.
Parenting
Parenting means carrying your pregnancy to term and raising the baby. While this option might feel impossible given your current situation, many resources are available to help you with finances, housing, food, etc., if you choose this path.
When considering whether parenting is right for you, it’s helpful to ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I have the support of family, friends, or my partner? If not, where can I turn for help in my community? (a church, community center, etc.)
- What would it look like for me to achieve my goals while parenting? (For example, if you want to finish school, what childcare options are available for you to attend classes, complete homework, etc.?)
- Try to envision what parenting would look like for you. How does this make you feel?
Adoption
Adoption is the process of carrying your pregnancy to term and giving your parental rights to an adoptive family. This is a selfless option that can also be emotionally complex. Before choosing this option, it’s essential to speak with an adoption counselor to learn more about the process.
Adoption comes with many different options, depending on what you’re comfortable with. For example, you can decide if you want to have contact with the adoptive family, how often, and what type of communication.
Open adoption gives you the most freedom in terms of communication, while semi-open adoption mediates communication between a third party—usually the adoption agency. Closed adoption is the most restricted choice where you know nothing about the adoptive family, and they know nothing about you.
Next Steps
Facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel scary, but you’re not alone. At Cornerstone Women’s Resource Center, we’re here for you. We offer free pregnancy resources and information that can help you decide how to move forward. The decision is yours, but we’re here to provide support and encouragement. Contact us today to be connected to one of our caring team members. All appointments and resources are free and confidential.