There are a couple other options for women facing unplanned pregnancies other than abortion. Choosing whether or not to terminate a pregnancy can be a difficult decision, but knowing what other options are available can make you more confident and informed on how you move forward.
Keep reading to learn more about the basics of choosing between parenting or adoption as alternatives to abortion.
Adoption
When a woman makes an adoption plan, she is in control of who adopts the baby as well as how many identifying details can be shared about her with the adoptive family.
In the US, most adoptions are open adoptions, which means that the biological mothers maintain a relationship with the child and family.
However, other options to protect her privacy include closed or semi-open adoptions, which offer varying degrees of confidentiality. Closed adoptions make sure that the adoption agency or courts seal any identifying information.
If you choose adoption, many of your living and pregnancy-related health expenses can be covered by the adoptive family or the adoption agency.
Parenting
If parenting is a choice you are interested in exploring, here are some essential questions to consider in evaluating if this is the best choice for your situation:
- Do I have a stable home environment suitable for raising a child?
- What would parenting or co-parenting with my partner look like, and are we both committed to that?
- If the father is not interested, would I be capable and willing to take on the role of a single parent?
- What support system do I have in place to help me through the challenges of the parenting journey?
Parenting can be extremely fulfilling but also has significant responsibilities and challenges. It’s important to ensure that you feel confident that you are truly prepared to provide a nurturing and stable environment for raising a child.
Next Steps
You don’t have to feel like you are doing this alone or that you have to have it all figured out right away. At Life Choices Center, we are here to equip and connect you to resources that are alternatives to abortion.
We offer no-cost options consultations, during which you can ask questions and learn more practical steps in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. Contact us today!