What To Do if You’re 13 and Pregnant in New York and Considering Adoption
If you’re 13 and pregnant, the first thing you’re probably going to do is panic. Under stressful circumstances, that is natural and completely understandable. You might think your parents are going to kill you, and you might now know what to do or say in this situation. It’s scary. It’s new. It’s uncomfortable.
We’re here to tell you that you don’t need to panic. These things happen, even to girls your age. There are people in the world who want to help you make the best decision for yourself and your baby. There are steps you can take to take control of your situation. You can look at all your options. You can make a plan. At Adoption Choices of New York, we’re not here to judge you. We’re here to inform you and help guide you through your next steps.
Do I Need to Tell My Parents I’m Pregnant?
The sooner you tell someone, the sooner you can get help. In New York, you do not need parental consent to get an abortion OR to place your baby for adoption. However, if you have an adult you can trust with the fact that you’re pregnant, your life will be a lot easier. You don’t have to feel so alone. Someone will want to help you. Your situation will be easier if you have someone to talk to, someone to drive you to doctor’s appointments, and a secret off of your chest.
So, while you could try to go it alone, we advise that the first thing you do is tell an adult you trust. As scary as it is, this person (whether it’s a parent, older sibling, or another close relative) loves you and will want to help you. This will take a whole weight off of your chest.
Do I Need to See a Doctor Right Away if I’m Pregnant?
Just like any other person who is pregnant, you should see your doctor. You may need certain vitamins and check-ups to make sure you’re healthy. Depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, you may need to schedule an ultrasound to check on the baby’s health. Your body goes through a ton of changes during pregnancy, so it’s important to make sure you’re completely healthy before you make any choices. The doctor is a professional who is there to help you; he or she is not there to judge you, only to do their job.
Do I have to Go Through with the Pregnancy?
Not if you don’t want to or if it’s not feasible. Talk to your doctors. Talk to your trusted adult. If you’re 13 and pregnant, your body may not be able to handle a pregnancy and there could be added risks. Your doctor may advise that you not go through with your pregnancy. But it’s your life, your body, and your choice.
If, for whatever reason, you do not want to go through with your pregnancy, abortion is an option. It’s a relatively safe procedure and is an option you may choose. The procedure ranges in cost, depending on your health insurance and the method of abortion. In New York, you do not need a parent’s permission to go through with an abortion. This is a choice you can make on your own, even if you do not have your parents’ support.
What if I Want to Place My Baby for Adoption?
If you want to place your baby for adoption in New York, you’re in the right place. Like we said earlier, you have options. If you’re very young and pregnant, your natural inclination might be to feel stuck. But you don’t have to and you’re not. If you don’t like the sound of abortion and you don’t think it’s right for you, that’s okay. If you want to go through your pregnancy, but you don’t feel ready to raise your child, that’s okay. Adoption is an option for you.
You don’t need a parent’s permission to place your baby for adoption in the state of New York. You can consent to the placement on your own. But you’ll never feel alone with Adoption Choices of New York. We’ll set you up with adoption specialists, an attorney, and a great adoption support group. You can meet other people who are going through your exact situation. You’re not the only person going through this and you won’t be the last. Our goal is to make you feel comforted, supported, and prepared throughout your adoption journey.
You’ll even be able to choose your child’s adoptive family and how much contact you would like to have with them after the adoption is finalized. In a time when you may feel like your life is spinning out of control, you still have choices you can make. You can still take control of your life.
Make a Plan With Adoption Choices of New York
If you’re 13 and pregnant, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Adoption Choices of New York. We’ll connect you with specialists that can help you make the best choice. We can help you make a plan for your next steps, whatever you decide to do. If adoption is the right choice for you, we’ll make sure you feel supported every step of the way.
Adoption Choices of New York is available to assist with your adoption plan. Call us, text us, email us; we are here for you!
Contact Us 24/7: 800-505-8592 (Phone) | 518-478-8420 | Click to Email
Meet the Author: Tara Giuffre has always loved reading and writing and grew up in the worlds of Narnia, Harry Potter and A Series of Unfortunate Events. Taking this passion for stories, she received a degree from Rutgers University in Journalism & Media. Besides writing, she likes long walks on the beach, spending time with her family (and her cat, Sansa), and baking the perfect loaf of bread.
She enjoys sharing vital information about adoption and birth mothers choosing adoption to families making important choices for their future family!
