I Didn’t Plan to Get Pregnant. What Are My Options?
Finding out that you’re pregnant can be a big shock. Even if your pregnancy wasn’t in your plans, you can take control of the situation. Start by weighing all of your options, so you can feel confident that you’re making the best decision for you.
Until recently, the first thing to consider was whether or not you could (or wanted to) carry the baby to term. However, with the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade, abortions are now banned in Texas. If you are unable to travel for an abortion, or if terminating a pregnancy has never felt right for you, it’s time to start thinking about your options for after the baby is born.
Parenting: Becoming a parent means committing emotionally, physically and financially to raising a child for the next 18 years. That might sound overwhelming, but it’s also one the most rewarding experiences you can have. There are more resources than ever that can help if you want to parent your child but are struggling financially. Your counselor will help you weight your pros and cons of all your options so you can be prepared to make the best decision, including making a parenting plan.
Adoption: There are three main types of adoption – open, semi-open and closed – that allow you to have varying levels of participation in planning for your child’s future and maintaining contact with the adoptive family. Every adoption plan looks different, but you will always be in control of the choices you make, including whether or not you want to select the adoptive family and enter into a relationship with them during and after the pregnancy. It’s important to know that you don’t sign the legal document relinquishing your rights in Texas until a minimum of 48 hours has passed since the birth of the child. So, until then, you are free to choose to parent even if you have matched to a family or taken financial assistance from an agency.
Learn more about open adoption
Adoption Advocates’ adoption specialists can help you explore each of these options without judgement or pressure. Start the conversation now by calling (512) 477-1122 or texting (512) 270-8415.
