What Are My Options?

If you have recently found out you are pregnant, you may feel a sense of loneliness and you may be afraid. Up until now you may never have had to deal with a critical issue at all, let alone a situation that will change the rest of your life. It is little wonder that you are feeling frightened and alone, but it is important to understand that you do not have to do this alone.

Remember, you are not alone; there are many resources available to help you during this difficult time. You do have some choices:

• Parenting: This option is a life-long commitment. When you feel like your whole life may be ruined by this pregnancy, it is even harder to look at parenting as a positive choice. But your life isn't over! Parenting a child while you are young is extremely difficult for many reasons. It is important for you to explore all your options, including the benefits and the realistic challenges to choosing parenting.
  
  
• Abortion: This choice should not be made quickly or under pressure. It's your body and your choice. There are physical, emotion and risks to abortion. Before making any type of decision concerning abortion, ensure that you have all the facts.
  
  
• Adoption: By making a plan for open adoption, you will have some input into who adopts your baby. The magazine Lifetime Adoption Magazine is packed with loving, waiting adoptive parents. In open adoption, you may be able to maintain some form of contact so that you can know if your child is doing well. In open adoption children grow up knowing that they are loved by both their adopted parents and the parents who gave them life. Another advantage to adoption is that it gives you the option of continuing your education, while at the same time giving your baby a better life as well. The National Adoption Hotline is a wonderful resource if you're considering placing your baby for adoption.

Learn more about your pregnancy options by clicking here.

If you would like to talk to someone about your options, you can call or text us any time at the Pregnancy Options Line: 1-800-923-6784.