I Don’t Want to Be Pregnant. Is Abortion My Only Option?

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and wondering what to do next, you have other options besides abortion. By understanding these options, you can make an informed decision about what’s best for you.

The other options are adoption and parenting. Both of these do require carrying your pregnancy to term, but either might lead to an outcome that fits your lifestyle better than abortion.

Read on to learn more about these choices to explore what’s right for you and your situation.

Adoption

Adoption is the act of allowing an adoptive family to have parental rights and raise the child as their own. You have different options within adoption, depending on your preferences. For example, you can choose the adoptive family, and you can also decide if you want to be involved in the child’s life.

There are three types of adoption, and you can choose which one makes sense for you:

  • Open adoption: You and the adoptive family communicate openly about the child. This option allows you to stay in contact with the child as they grow up.
  • Semi-open adoption: Communication between you and the adoptive family and child occurs through a third party (usually the adoption agency). You get to choose the frequency of communication.
  • Closed adoption: You remain anonymous to the adoptive family and child, which means they won’t receive any identifying information. The adoptive family will likely receive medical background information for the child’s health.

Parenting

Parenting might feel impossible since you weren’t planning to raise a child, but asking yourself these questions might help you decide if this option is right for you.

  • What does my support system look like? Parents, relatives, your partner, friends, or other community resources can all be important sources of help when raising a child.
  • What are my goals? Maybe you are hoping to finish school and find a career. In what ways can you envision raising a child while working toward these goals?
  • Where can I find help? Parenting is difficult, but things like parenting classes and communities can help you find direction and feel encouraged.

It’s Your Choice

Visit Women’s Care Center to speak with a caring member of our team about every option, and receive complimentary pregnancy services.
Contact us today to find a time that works for you.