An abortion is a serious medical decision with the potential for physical and emotional consequences. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and don’t want to have an abortion, you do have options. Learn more about placing your child for adoption or the prospect of parenting.
Why Would I Consider Making an Adoption Plan?
Adoption, as an alternative to abortion, is a viable parenting option, but a lot of misunderstanding surrounds this option. For instance, most people are unaware that the birth parents or birth mother select the family to raise her child. You have control of the process by choosing the adoptive parents, the adoption plan, and the future you want for your child.
If placing your child for adoption is an option, your first step is to find a reputable adoption agency or coordinator to work with. At Southwest Options for Women, we can recommend reputable adoption agencies for you.
Research shows that expectant women most satisfied with their adoption experience were given as much information as possible and never felt coerced into making this decision. Look for an agency that provides the following:
- Complete counseling services before, during, and after the adoption
- Free adoption services for medical and legal needs
- Provide other free assistance allowed by the state
- Ability to coordinate any type of adoption plan, whether private or with a family member or friend
- Access to the profiles of many potential adoptive couples
What Are the Different Adoption Plans?
There are three different adoption plans. Today, 90 to 95% of adoptions are semi-open or open.
- Semi-open Adoption
Choose a semi-open adoption plan if you wish to remain anonymous while still having contact with your child and their adoptive family. A third party, such as your adoption agency, sends all correspondence.
- Open Adoption
With an open adoption plan, you and the adoptive couple exchange identifying information so you can communicate directly. You can share addresses, phone numbers, emails, etc. You are free to meet one another before you give birth and arrange the type of communication you want after the adoption is finalized.
- Closed Adoption
Only 5 to 10% of adoptions today are closed. With this plan, your adoption agency chooses the couple to adopt your child. You have no contact, and the courts seal the original birth certificate.
Should I Choose to Parent?
Being a parent is both challenging and wonderful. Every woman worries if she can take on the job of parenthood. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I have the support of my partner or family?
- Can I finish school or continue working?
- Am I mature enough to be a parent?
- Where can I get the emotional and physical resources to parent?
The above questions get you started thinking about your parenting future. What will you need to be successful? At SouthWest Options for Women, we provide childbirth education, parenting classes, and mentoring. We promise to walk alongside you every step of the way.
We also offer classes for your partner if he plans on parenting. We know the prospect of becoming a father is overwhelming, so we provide tips and techniques to be successful. As you move forward with your future, we can also help you gain employment through our job search training.
We are here for you no matter what you choose.
Why Are My Options So Difficult?
It’s true. None of your options for your unplanned pregnancy, including abortion, are easy. They all involve some type of loss. You must look ahead to your future. Where do you see yourself a few years from now? Will you be in a different place that makes parenting possible, or do you feel parenting through adoption is the better choice? Only you know what is best for you and your child.
Contact us today and schedule a free and confidential appointment to discuss your options and future. We care about you.