Unplanned Pregnancy

Keeping Your Baby

Becoming a parent is a life-altering choice. It’s a stressful, challenging, rewarding, and miraculous experience. It’s also a lifelong commitment. If you have an unplanned pregnancy and you’re considering keeping your baby, ask yourself the following questions:

• How do I feel about my baby’s father? Is he willing to consider marriage? Will he be able to provide financial or emotional support?
• How do my family and friends feel about me keeping my baby? If I’m going to be a single mom, can they provide the love and encouragement I need?
• Will becoming a parent influence my other life goals? Will I be able to finish school? Will I be able to continue with my current career? Will I resent the sacrifices I must make in order to raise my child?
• Am I eligible for Medicaid, WIC, FIP, or other government assistance programs? Are there organizations in my area that can help me find free or low-cost diapers, clothes, formula, and other child-care essentials?
• Am I mature enough to care for a child? Do I have experience with the needs of a newborn? Can I take a parenting class before my baby is born?

Placing Your Baby Up for Adoption

If you’re morally opposed to abortion and don’t feel ready to raise your baby, adoption may be the best choice for you. Adoptions can be closed or open, depending upon your desire to have future contact with your child. If you’re considering adoption, ask yourself the following questions:

• Why do I want to place my baby up for adoption?
• What type of home would be best for my child? How do I define a “good” parent?
• How much contact would I like to have with my child?
• Is my baby’s father supportive of this decision?
• What adoption counseling services and support groups are available in my area?

Having an Abortion

In the Unites States, about half about all unplanned pregnancies end in abortion. However, the decision to terminate an unplanned pregnancy can be a very difficult choice. If you’re considering this option, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I know how an abortion is performed? Do I understand all of the potential risks and complications? Have I spoken to someone who has had an abortion to learn more about the experience?
• How does my baby’s father feel about this decision?
• Is anyone pressuring me to have an abortion against my will?
• Do I have any concerns about what will happen if I decide to terminate my pregnancy? Have I made arrangements to speak to a counselor about my feelings?
• What are my state’s abortion laws? If I’m under 18, does my state have mandatory parental notification laws?
• How far must I travel for the procedure? How soon will I be able to have the procedure performed?