Considering abortion? Have you heard lots of different abortion options? Need the facts? Well, fact #1: if you are in a crisis pregnancy, adoption is a beautiful option. However, there is much misinformation about adoption. Here are some common reasons for abortion and why adoption is the perfect option for each reason.
1. My boyfriend left me. I can’t raise this baby alone.
Raising a child as a single mom can be frightening. But the fact is, 80% of all women who face a crisis pregnancy choose the option of keeping and raising the baby. You don’t have to be alone. There are people who will help: family, friends, the faith community, and the community at large. Surround yourself with loving, positive people, and those people will help you and love your baby.
2. My boyfriend is forcing me to get an abortion.
No one can force you to get an abortion. If you feel pressured, your boyfriend is not the sort of person you should be spending the rest of your life with anyway. Another option is to search for a pregnancy resource center. Bring your boyfriend with you to have a conversation with a competent professional who will offer free ultrasounds, free prenatal care, free counseling, free diapers, free formula, and free parenting training. Click here for more information.
3. My father threatened to throw me out of the house if I got pregnant.
This is awful, but it is a reality for many girls. The option, in this case, may be a maternity home. This is a place where women experiencing a crisis pregnancy can go if they are at risk for homelessness. A maternity home will care for a mom and baby before and after labor and delivery. A maternity home is a great option if a young woman needs a place to stay far away from their community where they will be loved, supported, cared for, and not judged. Maternity homes, also known as maternity housing, may provide such things as housing, support, pregnancy resources, addiction counseling, and spiritual counseling. Click here for more information.
4. If I place my child for adoption, I will never see her again.
Not necessarily so. Have you considered an open adoption? An open adoption is a structured relationship between the adoptive parents, the biological family, and the adoptive child after the adoption is finalized. This a great option that allows the birth mother to create a life plan for the child. An open adoption ensures that she stays involved in the child’s life as long as it is in the child’s best interest to do so.
5. I am the victim of rape or incest.
If you have been raped or have endured incest, you are the victim of a crime. Pregnancy is not a crime; rape is. If you do not report the crime and proceed with an abortion, the crime may be covered up and the perpetrator may be free to do it again…possibly to a different victim. Do you have a younger sister or younger cousin that could also be the victim of this person? The best way to avoid that is to report the perpetrator, have the baby, and place the child for adoption—if that is best for you and your baby. Otherwise, having an abortion creates two victims: you and your baby. Remember, the baby is innocent; the perpetrator is not.
You have options. Whether you choose to place your child for adoption or raise the child yourself, do what is best for your child. Abortion is not predestined for your child. You have the power to give your child a life that can be lived to the fullest. Consider all options before making a final decision that cannot be reversed.
Are you considering placing a child for adoption? Not sure what to do next? First, know that you are not alone. Visit Adoption.org or call 1-800-ADOPT-98 to speak to one of our Options Counselors to get compassionate, nonjudgmental support. We are here to assist you in any way we can.
If you are unexpectedly pregnant, please consider adoption. Visit Adoption.com to view adoption profiles from hopeful adoptive parents. Visit Adoption.com/unplanned-pregnancy to find guidance with your unplanned pregnancy.
