If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, you may feel like abortion is your most straightforward option.
However, terminating a pregnancy is a serious medical decision that can have negative impacts on your physical and mental health.
As you begin to explore your other options, such as making an adoption plan and parenting, consider having an open mind as you learn about the benefits of both.
Adoption
Maybe you feel there’s a stigma around placing your child for adoption, and you’re afraid others will think your actions are unloving or selfish. In reality, the exact opposite is true. Placing your child for adoption is an incredibly selfless and courageous decision.
When you choose adoption, you, as the expectant mother, have the right to be as involved in the process as you would like. You can take part in choosing the adoptive family and deciding how involved you want to be in your child’s future.
The three most common types of adoption include:
- Open adoption: You can choose the family you want to adopt your baby and decide if you want to keep in contact with them. You can also choose how involved you want to be in your baby’s life.
- Semi-open adoption: You can still have contact with the family and baby, but a professional adoption agency will help manage communication and keep your identifying information confidential.
- Closed adoption: You won’t have contact with the family or your baby, and the identities of all parties are kept confidential. The court keeps adoption records sealed.
While some women feel choosing an open adoption would be too difficult, open adoption gives other women the peace of mind they need, knowing their child is being cared for and loved.
If you’re hesitant to choose adoption due to pregnancy-related expenses, know that all of your medical costs and legal fees are covered. You pay nothing. You may also receive assistance for other pregnancy-related expenditures, such as rent and groceries.
Parenting
Maybe you’ve wanted to become a parent, but you didn’t think it would happen so soon.
You might be unsure if this is the right time to welcome a child into your life while you’re still working toward your career or school, but in reality, many parents don’t feel ready to parent, even when their pregnancies are planned.
Seeking support in parenting is critical and can help you continue to reach your goals, even if you must temporarily pause them.
If you want to parent but lack support, Palm Beach Women’s Clinic is here to help by connecting you with community resources, including:
- Parenting classes
- Medical insurance
- Material goods
These resources can help with financial needs and connect you with other women entering into parenthood, which can be the beginning of creating a support community.
Parenting is a commitment that takes hard work and dedication but is incredibly rewarding.
Get Help Today
Palm Beach Women’s Clinic offers free lab-quality pregnancy tests and ultrasound scans. After learning more about your pregnancy, our trusted staff can answer your questions and discuss your options.
We can connect you with trusted local adoption agencies and provide pregnancy/parenting resources.
Contact us today for your confidential appointment.