When you become pregnant unexpectedly, it’s important to remember there is no need to rush into a decision. When emotions are running high, it is very difficult to think and plan clearly. The decision you ultimately make will impact not only your own life and future, but other people’s lives and futures. That kind of decision is important, and requires careful thought, as well as information and advice from people who care for you, and who understand what you are going through. You want to be confident that whatever plan you make is one that you can feel good about long into the future.
Evaluate Your Situation
Sometimes, the anxiety that goes along with an unplanned pregnancy makes it easy to believe that you are unable to take on the responsibilities of parenthood. But your anxiety or lack of confidence is not really an answer. Instead, the question requires you to reflect seriously on your life circumstances, and to assess honestly and candidly whether you are able and willing to do what is required to parent a child appropriately.
Open Arms Real Choices Clinic can help you make this evaluation. We have extensive experience and knowledge about the challenges you face, and we provide support from unbiased individuals whose only goal is to help you make the choice that is best for you from a position of being truly and fully informed.
Our counseling services can help you determine whether this is the right time in your life to raise a child, or if allowing a loving family to adopt your child would be the most compassionate move. Whether you decide to raise your child yourself or provide another family that opportunity, we offer no-cost prenatal care and support to make your pregnancy healthier and happier.
Adoption Options
If you feel adoption is the best choice for your child, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll never see them again. There are three types of adoption, each offering a different level of involvement in your child’s life:
Confidential or Closed Adoption
Confidential adoption gives the birth parents complete privacy, so that you can maintain your anonymity; your names and personal information are kept from the adoptive parents. You’ll work with an adoption agency that will select a family who has been evaluated and deemed a good match to raise your child.
Partial or Semi-Open Adoption
This type of adoption gives you the option to select your child’s parents. While you and the adoptive parents may briefly meet and exchange first names, there won’t be a close relationship. If you want to share and receive letters and pictures with the family, you can do so. The adoption agency will act as a go-between to allow both parties to maintain their privacy and control the level of contact that they want.
Open Adoption
Open adoption gives you and the adoptive parents the freedom to build a relationship. You will have the final decision in deciding who will adopt your child, talking to different families during the decision-making process. Once you have selected a family, you can interact and enjoy communication with the family during your pregnancy and throughout the child’s life.
If you are pregnant and feeling emotionally drained, it is essential to remember that you are not alone and you have options. Contact Open Arms Real Choices Clinic today and allow our caring team to provide you with the support you need.
