If you are facing an unexpected pregnancy and are leaning towards adoption, you may feel pressure about your decision.
Ultimately, the choice is up to you as the biological parent, but read this article for ideas to manage differing opinions as you make your pregnancy plan.
Do Your Research
When facing an unexpected pregnancy, there are three options: parenting, abortion, and adoption.
Make sure you evaluate each one and how it may or may not meet your needs.
For parenting, you should consider factors such as your support system, childcare, finances, co-parenting with your partner, and more. Many people find this a rewarding choice, while others don’t desire to raise a child.
For some, abortion seems like a convenient solution, but there are significant physical side effects to consider. You should also consider your mental health since experts on both sides of the abortion debate agree that “abortion is consistently associated with elevated rates of mental illness,” according to the National Library of Medicine.
Adoption allows you to customize a plan for your individual needs, whether you are planning a closed adoption, which will prevent personal information about you from being disclosed to the adoptive family, or an open adoption, where you can have a relationship with your child.
Try to Explain
The degree of communication will vary depending on the nature of your relationship with your parents. If you have a positive relationship, try to explain why you feel that adoption is the best choice for you and your baby.
If they voice concerns that you hadn’t considered, be willing to listen. However, if you’ve already evaluated all the pros and cons, tell them you have decided but would appreciate their support.
Whenever someone tries to pressure you, it is up to you whether or not it impacts your decisions. It is your pregnancy, so only you can decide what is truly best for your future.
Find Support
If you are still weighing your options or if you think that adoption may be the right path for you, we offer a free and confidential appointment to talk through your pregnancy decision-making process. This is a space to air your concerns, get more information, or process your emotions in a safe, compassionate environment.
We are here to empower you in your pregnancy choice! Contact us today to make an appointment!