If you've recently learned you're pregnant, you're probably experiencing a lot of different emotions and have many questions running through your mind. That's completely normal. We're here to help you understand your options, including adoption, but remember, there's no "right" or "wrong" choice in this situation. What matters most is finding the path that feels right for you.
Understanding Your Options
When you're facing an unplanned pregnancy as a teen, it's important to know all your choices. Let's look at your main options:
- Parenting: You choose to raise your child yourself
- Adoption: You make an adoption plan for your child
- Abortion: You choose to end the pregnancy
- Taking Time: You don't need to have all the answers right now
Considering Adoption
If you’re thinking about adoption, it's perfectly normal to have questions. Let's talk about some common terms you might hear:
- Birthmother: A woman who makes an adoption plan for her child
- Adoptive Family: The loving family who would raise your child
- Open Adoption: When you and the adoptive family stay in touch
- Closed Adoption: When there isn't contact after placement
- Semi-Open Adoption: When you stay in touch with limited contact
Now let's look at some common adoption myths:
Myth: "If I choose adoption, I'll never see my baby again."
Fact: In an open adoption, you can stay connected with your child as they grow.
Myth: "I need to make a decision right away."
Fact: You have time to think things through and make the best choice for you and your baby.
Myth: "Someone else will choose the adoptive family."
Fact: You can be involved in choosing and even meeting the adoptive family if you'd like.
Your Choices
If you decide to explore adoption, always remember that you are in control. Your adoption experience will be shaped by the choices you make along the way:
- You can choose the adoptive family for your baby.
- You can decide how much contact you'd like with the family before and after birth.
- You can make your own hospital plan for delivery day.
- You can spend time with your baby at the hospital.
- You can change your mind about adoption at any point before signing papers.
Remember, these are your decisions to make. While it's great to have support from family and friends, you're in charge of your choices.
Support and Resources
You don't have to figure everything out on your own. There are many caring people and helpful services available to support you:
Counseling Support: Talking with a counselor can help you sort through your feelings and options. This is usually free and completely private. It's a safe space to ask questions and express your concerns.
Financial Support: If you're considering adoption, medical expenses are typically covered, and legal services are provided at no cost to you. You might even be eligible for help with pregnancy and living expenses.
Healthcare: You have the right to good medical care during your pregnancy. You'll have your own doctor and can make your own decisions about your prenatal care.
Help With School: Your school can provide support to help you continue your education. Many teens worry about this, but there are laws protecting your right to stay in school.
Looking Ahead
Whether you're just starting to think about adoption or are further along in your decision-making process, it's helpful to start thinking about what comes next.
Make a Hospital Plan
You can create a hospital plan that feels right for you. This might include:
- Who you want with you during and after labor and delivery
- How much time you'd like to spend with your baby
- Whether you'd like the adoptive family there
- Taking pictures or creating memories
- What helps you feel most comfortable
Staying Connected
You can decide what future contact with your child and the adoptive family looks like:
- Letters and pictures of your child
- Email updates from the adoptive family
- Video calls or in-person visits
- Special occasions or holidays
- Whatever level of contact feels right for you
Next Steps
If you'd like to learn more about adoption or discuss your options, there are a lot of ways to get started:
- Call or text us anytime - we're here to listen: 815-307-0620
- Request free information
- Browse through adoptive family profiles
- Take our birthmother quiz
Remember, reaching out for information does not mean you are committing to anything. We're here to support you and help you make the best decision for you and your baby.
