The test came out positive but you are not.

Every woman wants to have a child but only when she is ready and able to take care of them. However it is estimated that almost half of all pregnancies in the U.S each year are unplanned. It means that millions of women find themselves in an unexpected situation, which requires them to make a very difficult decision. This may bring a sense of bewilderment and an overwhelming feeling of confusion and anxiety.

In order to make this decision, you must carefully go through all options available to you. Every pregnancy has a different situation surrounding it and only you can choose what is best for you. You can decide to give birth and raise the child, place the child for adoption or end the pregnancy by having an abortion. So, let’s take a look at them one by one.

PARENTING

We all love babies, they are cute and fun to play with but they come with a big responsibility. If you decide that you are ready to have a child, this is definitely the most rewarding and joyful option. You may have more questions than answers about parenting but this something every mother learns through experience.

Being a parent requires you to place the well-being of your child before yourself and do whatever is necessary to protect them and to plan a secure future for them. This is not just a matter of loving your child, but of sincerely evaluating whether you have all the necessary resources to bring a life into this world and to raise it until they can take care of themselves.

Somethings you should ask yourself if you are considering parenting the child:

Can I afford to have a child?

Can I handle all the pressures associated with raising a child?

Will my family and friends support this decision?

Will I be able to make the child feel loved and wanted?

Am I making this decision on my own or is someone pressuring me?

You will need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of being a parent. Becoming a parent is an important stage in your life which helps you grow as a person. To watch a child grow is a joy on its own and parents feel proud of their child’s accomplishments. However, it is a very demanding experience and meeting the needs of a child is also challenging. Parents have to make a lot of sacrifices to raise a child, whether it is financial, social, professional or educational. The well-being of the child must be placed above everything else.

If you think the circumstances are right, than parenting is the ideal option.

ADOPTION

If you are facing unplanned pregnancy and feel that you will be unable to raise the child, than adoption is a great option. Adoption is when you choose someone else to parent your child. The placement of the child is permanent and all parental rights are legally transferred to the adoptive parents. The reasons for choosing this option are different for each individual.

You don’t want to be a single mother

You can’t afford to raise a child

You are unable to emotionally support a child

Your professional or educational goals hinder your ability to become a parent

You believe adoption is the best way to ensure your child’s well-being

It is important to remember that this is your decision to make and no one should pressure you in this matter. However it is always good to consult your family and friends to ensure that they support your decision.

There are two kinds of adoptions. Open and closed.

In an open adoption, the birth mother gets to choose the adoptive parents and meets them in person. They build a continued relationship as the child grows up. The amount of contact is agreed upon by both parties. An open adoption reassures the birth mother that her child is in a good family.

In a closed adoption, the birth mother and adoptive parents have limited or no information about each other and they do not contact each other after the adoption process is complete.

It is normal for you to have mixed emotions when pacing your child for adoption. Some people feel a sense of great loss after the placement is complete. However, talking with our counselors will help you work through these emotions and knowing that your child is in a family that loves and cares for her will give you a sense of comfort.

ABORTION

Abortion is a medical procedure that terminates the pregnancy. People can be very judgmental and have strong opinions on this matter and you may feel isolated and reluctant to discuss it with others. It is critical to remember that abortion is a medical procedure and you must meet your health care provider to get a complete understating of this matter. Abortions are governed by strict laws and regulations which vary in different states.

Overall abortion is a safe procedure and serious complications are rare. However, the longer the pregnancy continues, the riskier the abortion. Even though a decision like this should be properly evaluated, you may not want to wait too long.

Women may go through a range of emotions after the procedure; they may feel anger, resent, guilt or self-hatred. It is more difficult for some women than others. However, it is uncommon to have any long-term emotional problems with respect to this matter.