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Bob & Vera
Wow. We have been trying to adopt for only 3 months!we have been on parentprofiles.com for only 1.5 mos and in that time we have received calls from 5 birthmothers, including the one we matched with. We are listed with one on the largest agencies in the nation and yet we received ALL of our contacts from Parentprofiles.com. In fact our Agency told us that almost 40% of their matchs are direct results of more ...
Unplanned Pregnancy, Pregnancy Options, Adoption Alternative
While the main, most common options for an unplanned pregnancy are parenting or placing the child with an adoptive family, there are a few other options to keep in mind. Some may find ample options overwhelming. However, more options give you more control over your situation. It gives you more opportunities to find the right path, because making the right choice--an informed choice--is the best way to find emotional healing, self-acceptance, and peace with your decision.
Kinship care and granting guardianship are options that allow someone in your family to parent your child. This could be beneficial if you plan to parent later on, but don't feel ready to parent after labor and delivery. If you go into kinship care with your end goal in mind, a judge can grant the order as temporary, so that you can resume your parental duties when you're ready. Or, even if you don't want to parent, you can still choose to have a close family member parent, if you would like to keep the child in your family. While exploring that option, make sure to look into your state's specific guardianship and kinship care laws. Each state will vary. Learning the laws and guidelines before you begin the process will protect you and your child from misunderstandings and false information or expectations.
If you choose not to parent and you didn't find someone to adopt your child, you have the option of placing your child in the foster care system. Depending on your exact situation, this can either be temporary or permanent. If it's temporary, a judge will have goals that you need to meet before you can parent. If it's permanent, your parental rights will be severed and your child will become a ward of the state until s/he is adopted or ages out of the system.
Terminating your pregnancy is another option you may consider over the next few days or weeks. Before you decide to abort the pregnancy, it's crucial that you understand abortion procedures, your state's laws and regulations, and potential physical, emotional, and mental risks and side effects. Once you're aware of what abortion entails, you can feel confident in making an informed decision.
Safe Haven or Baby Moses Laws allow parents to place their children with hospitals, police stations, and fire departments without being asked questions. This option is for those who don't want to parent and don't want to go through the adoption process, abort, or place in foster care. These laws differ by each state, but the real purpose is to protect the child from harm or abandonment. When children are placed at Safe Haven locations, they become wards of the state, which means they are available to be adopted and are in the foster care system.
While sorting through your many options, make sure you research all sides of the decision. And remember, you have more options to consider than just the basic parenting or adopting. Make an effort to learn as much as you can about your situation, needs, and goals. That can make a big difference once you begin the decision-making process. With a better understanding of yourself, it can be easier to navigate the waters of an unplanned pregnancy.
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