190 profiles of hopeful adoptive couples
For Birthparents
Article Topics
Profile Search
Profile Id Search
Success Story
Dave & Rachel
We had waited 2 1/2 years for our adoption agency to match us with a birthmom....with Parent Profiles it only took 6 weeks! We were contacted by 3 birthmothers, and our birthmom was actually the first one to contact us. We began an email correspondence that has developed into a nice friendship as well. We are lucky she lives in a town less than an hour away. Baby is now 3 more ...
Rape or Incest
Pregnancy can be both a happy and joyful time and a time of stress and emotional and physical pain. If you're experiencing a pregnancy as a result of a rape or incestual relationship, it can be even more overwhelming and stressful than an average pregnancy. Remember that even though you were placed in this situation by someone else's actions, you still have options with your unplanned pregnancy. While this decision of pregnancy may not have been your choice, you have many choices now. There isn't one right choice that works best for everyone. It is individual and depends completely on your situation. You have to find the option or path that works best for you and your child. If you find yourself in a situation resulting from rape or incest, here are the next steps that you can consider:
- Contact Local Authorities: The first thing you should do is to file a report with your local police department. The local authorities will be able to guide you through the rest of the legal side of the process. Even though you may be hesitant to turn to local authorities if your attacker has threatened you or is a member of your family, it is important that you do so. No one has that right to violate someone else. It can't be ignored nor tolerated. The local authorities are there to help you. Let them.
- Emergency Contraceptive Pills: If you're worried that you may become pregnant as a result of rape or incest, talk to your doctor about ECP--emergency contraceptive pill. While it is commonly called the morning-after pill, it can be taken up to five days following sexual penetration. These five days are crucial because an ECP stops fertilization rather than aborting the fertilized egg. Just remember that this could be a viable option for you.
- Meet with a Therapist/Counselor: You've gone through a difficult time. Speak with a counselor or a therapist. Some find it embarrassing or shameful to speak with a mental health professional. They can help you fully understand your situation, your emotions and feelings, and your options. They can help you accept your situation and heal from the pain. Make sure to be honest with your therapist or counselor. This is the only way to receive the help and guidance you need. It is the only way for you to effectively heal from your experience.
- Study Your Options: You do have options, even if you weren't able to choose the fact that you've been placed in this situation. If you've become pregnant as a result of rape or incest, you can parent the child, abort the fetus, or place the child with an adoptive family--to name a few of your options. Study all you options. Learn which option is the best one for you. Take all the time you need to make a decision. The best decision is an informed decision.
- Keep Moving Forward: Emotional progression after a traumatic event will not be easy. It requires dedication and hard work. You may need to relive the pain and trauma before moving forward is possible. Continue to meet with your counselor and join a local support group. Remember that this event doesn't define you. You can rise above it.
More Articles: