Are You Facing an Unplanned Pregnancy?
Being pregnant is the last thing you expected and you’re at a loss for what to do next. Worries plague your mind and emotions overwhelm you. Am I going to survive this? Who do I go to for help? Should I keep the baby? I’m not ready to be a parent! Should I give my baby up for adoption? What are my adoption options? What are my next steps? Life, overall, feels like an insurmountable challenge. You are not the first woman in New York to experience an unplanned pregnancy and if you are considering adoption, you are amongst a large number of brave, selfless women who have done the same. If you are unexpectedly pregnant, you don’t have to parent, you don’t have to terminate your pregnancy – – adoption is an option. Adoption is legal in New York, our adoption services cost you nothing, and our NY adoption agencies can have adoptive families ready to adopt your baby.
Here are a few things to know as you navigate this delicate situation while you consider adoption…
1. You Are Not Alone
As we’ve mentioned, you’re not alone! Adoption is all around us, even if we don’t see it. So many women are choosing adoption Every day, there are children being adopted into loving families all across the country. In fact, 1 out of every 25 U.S. families with children have an adopted child. Adoption Choices of New York knows that this isn’t what you imagined, what you envisioned for your child nor for your life. But… life doesn’t always go as planned. You’re not the first woman to face an unplanned pregnancy, and you certainly won’t be the last. Guidance from an experienced adoption professional is your key to a successful adoption plan. Contact one of our adoption professionals today, and let us lend a hand, an ear, and the support you need in New York.
2. What Options do I have for my Unplanned Pregnancy?
As realization of your unplanned pregnancy sets it, your brain can experience numbness or shock. Even a wave of terror. But your life isn’t over. You aren’t alone, and you have options available. Three, to be exact. You can either continue the pregnancy and become a parent, terminate the pregnancy or make a plan for adoption. It’s important that you research each option thoroughly and that you don’t make any quick decisions. Also, be sure to call your doctor or OB/GYN to make an appointment. This can help determine how far along you are in the pregnancy and what your next steps should be. Our New York adoption center is staffed with some of the most experienced, compassionate, competent adoption professionals in the whole state! We will discuss your adoption options and ensure you fee confident and comfortable about your decision. You will never be — and should never be!! pressured, judged, nor coerced into choosing adoption.
3. Parenting vs. Adoption
You may consider parenting your child. While unexpected motherhood is challenging, it’s not impossible! Nevertheless, ask yourself the following questions before making a decision:
- Can I give my son or daughter the life he or she deserves?
- Am I willing to work hard to put myself in a better place for my child?
If you’re determined to take steps to provide a better situation for your unborn child, start by visiting your healthcare provider. Not only will your doctor make sure that you and your baby are healthy, but he or she can also be a good source for your mental well-being. Raising a child isn’t easy, but there is help that exists. You don’t have to go through this alone.
4. Termination or Abortion vs. Adoption
If you don’t feel ready to become a parent at this point in your life, you have the right to choose termination. Remember that abortion laws vary by state. New York’s Reproductive Health Act permits abortions when a woman is within twenty-four weeks. After the twenty-four week mark, there must be an absence of fetal viability or evidence that the woman’s life and health are at risk. This must all be determined through the reasonable and good faith judgement of a medical professional.
Be sure to consult an adoption lawyer, adoption professional or your healthcare provider for more details on this.
5. I Don’t Want to Parent or Terminate. What Do I Do?
If parenting or terminating your unplanned pregnancy don’t sound like the right path for you, adoption is always an option. Adoption allows you the opportunity to give your child a life you wish you were able to – one full of safety and security. It doesn’t matter how early or late you are in your pregnancy. However, the earlier you contact an adoption professional, the sooner you can start receiving necessary prenatal care, housing assistance, financial aid for living expenses, and more.
Adoption will always be free to you, and our fully-trained and compassionate staff will make sure you receive the services you need to have a successful adoption journey.
6. Tips to Cope with an Unplanned Pregnancy
Going through an unplanned pregnancy can invoke a range of emotions from fear to insecurity, to frustration and confusion, stress and depression. It is a life-changing moment in which you have to decide your future. Yet, through this whirlwind, your main priority should be on your health and the health of your baby.
Try and remain as calm and relaxed as you can throughout your pregnancy. Stress is a major threat to the health of your baby and yourself. One of the best ways to eliminate (or at least reduce) stress is to feel prepared. If you understand all the steps involved and what to expect when, you’ll have nothing to stress about. If you are considering adoption as an option for your unplanned pregnancy, we would love to talk to you! Don’t hesitate to reach out. Adoption Choices of New York is more than happy to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have.
7. Support Groups and Counseling Resources for an Unplanned Pregnancy
We hear you loud and clear. Deciding to place your baby for adoption is an emotion-filled journey. It’s not easy to make alone. Adoption Choices of New York knows how important it is for you to stay healthy and feel taken care of throughout the process. We have good news for you! We have counseling services available to help you put together a customized plan that you are 100% comfortable with.
Unplanned pregnancies cause a whirlwind of emotions. No matter what you’re feeling you’re not alone. We offer support and counseling resources to help you through this delicate adoption journey. Pre-placement group and solo counseling will provide a safe place of healing and understanding. Choosing adoption can be a hard decision, but you’re not alone.
Adoption is not a rare occurrence if you’re worried about your baby being placed. One in every twenty-five families has adopted a child and roughly 2% of the entire American population are adoptees. Open adoption makes up almost 70% of adoptions meaning remaining in your child’s life is no longer a negative stigma. Unplanned pregnancies happen but you have options and we’re here to provide a strong foundation of support no matter what you decide.
Our counseling services extend to the birth father and any other children who would like it as well. Adoption is in an intricate process, and we want you to have as much support, love, and care as possible so that you feel confident about whatever the future brings you.
And the best part? Our counseling services are FREE!!
