Choices
You’re probably experiencing some uncertainty, anxiety, and fear. Knowing where to turn for help is important. You’ll want to talk to someone you can trust. The caring people at A Woman’s Choice can help you through this difficult time. We’re here to talk with you about your pregnancy and your options ( parenting, adoption, temporary foster care and abortion.
Parent
You know for sure that you are pregnant and now you are wondering if parenting is the path for you to take. The miracle of life has begun and a tiny human being is growing within you. Being a parent is exciting and challenging. Are you up for the task?
Pregnancy is not a reason to feel forced into marriage. You will need a good support system to help you though this decision. A Woman’s Choice can be a helpful resource and even be a sounding board for your feelings. Let us help.
- Do I have a support system?
- How will I provide for the child financially?
- Am I willing to wake up through the night?
- Who will care for my child while I am at work or in school?
Is this choice for you? The option of parenting will be one of the most difficult decisions you make. Properly weighing out your options will assist you in making the right choice for you and your child.
Adoption
Adoption is a loving, honorable choice for a birthmother who finds herself in an unplanned pregnancy. It is a mature and unselfish decision. There are many reasons why a woman may not choose to parent her baby. The father may have abandoned his responsibility or the relationship. The birthmother may want to pursue her education or career plans and raising a child is not in her immediate plans. Instead of ending the life of her unborn child, the birthmother selects adoptive parents after studying the resumes of couples that desperately want a child. There is no shame in placing your child for adoption. It is a very courageous choice and women who place for adoption are to be commended.
Many adoptive parents have been married for five or more years, but they have been unable to conceive a child of their own. Many have gone through fertility treatment without success. In spite of the fact that they have been unable to have their own children, they carry a tremendous heart of love to pour out to a child. They usually have stable marriages and have the physical, financial, emotional, and spiritual resources that would insure your baby a happy childhood.
You may be asking yourself some very hard questions right now. Some of these questions might be:
How can I carry a baby for nine months and give it away?
Many women struggle with this question. What is it about adoption that makes you uncomfortable? Making an adoption plan is not “giving your child away.” Adoption is thinking beyond yourself to give your baby a chance at life. Perhaps you are not financially stable enough to give your child all the things you would want to give it. Adoptive parents can do just that. Making an adoption plan is not a careless “throwing away” of your baby. Is ending the life of your baby preferable to planning for a full and wonderful life? Choosing adoption, you can live a satisfying life knowing that your child has a happy, stable life with parents who are overjoyed to have him/her as “their child”.
How can I know that adoption will be a good choice for my baby and me?
If you are not ready to be a parent yet, giving your baby the gift of life by choosing adoption is a living choice. You are making a plan beyond your moment in crisis to offer your child a chance at living out his/her life in a safe, healthy, loving home. You can see your baby, name your child, and choose from a variety of families that are waiting in the wings to be matched.
Does the birthfather have to know?
Yes, Both you and the birthfather have rights. The agency will make every attempt to contact him because he will have to sign a form called a “Surrender”. This gives you and the agency the freedom to place your child in an adoptive parent’s home. It is illegal to withhold information from the birthfather about your intentions to place your child for adoption.
Will my child be able to find me later on?
Depending upon the state laws, you can register information so that your child can find you when he/ she turns 18. Your caseworker will be able to guide you in this process.
Will my child know anything about me?
Depending on what kind of adoption plan you make , you can prepare information for your child to receive at a specific time. You can leave your name and address with the adoptive parents. You can even arrange through an open adoption to visit with your child and have open contact throughout his/her life.
How do I know my child will be well treated?
The adoptive families that are approved by adoption agencies are well screened and must meet very high standards that are shared with you. Adoption agencies make every attempt to complete through assessments of potential adoptive families. Home visits are made to ensure the child’s well being. In an open adoption, you can see for yourself how loved and well cared for your baby is.
How much will this cost me?
There is NO COST to the birthmother. The adoption agency will handle any legal issues, fees, and details for you and the birthfather.
Yes, Many adoption agencies have couples for you to choose from. They have already been screened and approved by the agency social workers before presenting their resumes for your consideration. You can interview them and you can even arrange for them to be with you when you give birth.
Considering Abortion
Click here to get information on abortion.