Unplanned Pregnancy Options
Spend some time reflecting on your options
Take some time to think through how you feel about each of these options. Now, write each option down on the top of a piece of paper.
On each paper, consider the following:
- How do you feel about this option?
- What are some good things that could come from this?
- What are some bad things that could come from this?
- Is anyone pressuring me to make this choice?
- Envision your life in 5 years if you make this choice, describe it.
- Is this option what is best for my child? Is it best for me?
- What information do you need about this option?
- How confident are you in this option?
After you’ve spent some time reflecting on your thoughts and feelings regarding abortion, adoption and parenting, you will have a better sense of the option that you wish to pursue.
Why work with us?
Staying Informed
As a birthmother, if you are considering adoption, it’s very likely you will have started with researching it on the internet. While there is a lot of helpful information available, be sure you are visiting trustworthy sites and review multiple sources. In addition to the father of the child, you may decide to talk through your options and obtain information from trusted friends, family, or community members.
While you may be tempted to wait until later in the pregnancy to connect with a counselor or adoption provider, ideally, you should try to connect with someone around six months into the pregnancy, if not sooner. That way, you have time to obtain counseling and work through your options and make a plan.
When pursuing counseling services, it is very important to find a counselor who is:
- A professional counselor, not a volunteer organization
- Provides both pregnancy and adoption support (unbiased)
- Can continue to provide care and support regardless of the decision you make regarding your pregnancy
- If you are specifically interested in adoption, you will want to find a counselor who is experienced in working with birth parents in adoption and who can provide ongoing support after the adoption
Unfortunately, there is a great deal of unethical adoption providers and practices that can make navigating this journey even more difficult.
We recommend working with a provider who is:
- Licensed
- Local and can meet in person as well as by phone
- Has a good reputation and who practices ethically
- Provides unbiased care (no pressure)
PLAN
Knee to Knee
The national standard for ethical post placement care for birth mothers.
National Council for Adoption
Striving to meet the diverse needs of all those touched by adoption through global advocacy, education, research, legislative action, and collaboration.
Licensed Child Placing Agency- Virginia Department of Social Services
Catholic Charities Pregnancy and Adoption Services is a licensed child placing agency by the Department of Social Services in the State of Virginia.
