Every year, around half of all pregnancies are unplanned. In 2014, that meant there were about 3.4 million women facing the same challenges and decisions that you are.
Some of these women will choose to parent their babies, while others will choose to terminate their pregnancies. A smaller percentage, around 2% of all women facing unintended pregnancies, will choose to place their biological children for adoption.
There are no one-size-fits-all options, and the best way to decide for yourself is with the help of an experienced pregnancy counselor. You can discuss your own situation with one of our professional counselors for free by calling 1-855-711-1609. Speaking with someone is a great way to gain a little perspective on your feelings, and start working towards a decision.
Considering Adoption: A Guide For Pregnant Women
In this article, we’ll provide an overview of adoption, along with some questions that might help you figure out how you feel about the progress.
Why Do Other Women Choose Adoption?
Most women choose adoption because they aren’t ready to parent a child, but don’t want to have an abortion. Instead, they choose to give birth, and then allow another family to raise their biological child.
Adoption is permanent, and legally-binding. At the end of the adoption process, birth parents sign a legal agreement “relinquishing” their parental rights. A judge will then finalize the adoption by approving a transfer of all parental rights and responsibilities to the adoptive parents.
Here are some statements that women who choose adoption usually agree with:
- I am not prepared to parent a child.
- I can’t afford to raise a child.
- Raising a child would make it too hard for me to pursue my goals, like working or going to school.
- Adoption is what I want to do, not what I think I should do.
- I can accept not being my biological child’s primary parent.
- I believe that adoption is the best choice for my child. He or she will be cared for both emotionally and financially.
If you agree with those statements, too, adoption might be the right decision for you. If you don’t, you can learn more about your other options by clicking the links below:
Are There Different Types Of Adoption?
Yes. If you choose to place your child for adoption, you can also choose the amount of “openness” you would like to maintain.
In an open adoption, birth parents can have a certain amount of contact with the adoptive family. But to begin with, open adoption allows a birth mother to choose the adoptive family that is right for her biological child. Reviewing their adoption profiles, you can learn more about their beliefs and family traditions, along with what parenting styles they use.
Once the right family has been chosen, some birth mothers choose to develop a relationship with their biological child’s adoptive family. Contact might be maintained through updates about the baby’s progress, phone calls and even visits. These relationships can be maintained throughout a child’s life.
There are as many types of open adoption as there are biological parents, children and adoptive parents. Each relationship will be different, and so will the amount of “openness.” Choosing the right amount is always a matter of what you, as your child’s biological parent, are comfortable with.
In a closed adoption, the birth parents and adoptive parents will not have any information about each other. This form of adoption is becoming less common, but for some women, it’s what feels right.
How Will I Feel After Placing My Child For Adoption?
Many expectant mothers who choose adoption feel happy with the knowledge that their biological child is living in a safe home and being loved. But the emotions you feel after the adoption is finalized may be complicated.
Many women feel depressed or disappointed after placing their children for adoption, even those who believe they have made the best choice for their baby and themselves. Feelings of grief are normal.
You can find more information on the emotions many people experience during the adoption process here.
If you place your baby through an adoption agency, know that a support system will always be there to help you deal with your emotions. There are many support groups you can join to share your feelings with other people who are going through the adoption process, too.
Who Can Help Me With Adoption?
If you have any questions about adoption, you can contact our pregnancy counselors at any time, day or night, for free. Just call 1-855-711-1609 or fill out our contact form here. We’re here to help you.
