When you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you have three basic options: to parent, to place your child for adoption or to have an abortion.
It’s not uncommon for women to rush into an abortion decision. In the stress of first discovering an unplanned pregnancy, abortion may seem like a “quick fix,” but it’s actually not as simple of an option as people think. There are actually several alternative options to abortion that may be better for you — and your unborn child — in the long run.
Whether you already know you don’t want to terminate your pregnancy or just want to consider your other options, you may wonder how to decide between the two alternatives to abortion. In the end, the only one who can make the best choice for you and your baby is you.
If you think adoption might be right for you, Mike Belfonte can help you get started with the process in Kansas or Missouri. But, if you’re still unsure about your options for an unwanted pregnancy other than abortion, we’ll give you a quick rundown of the basics of each.
Parenting vs. Adoption
When deciding between adoption or keeping your baby, there are some important things you need to know. Both parenting and adoption are permanent choices that will affect the rest of your life in different ways. No matter which one you choose, know that you will get to watch your child grow — whether as a part of your own family or with the adoptive family of your choice.
Before you decide to parent, you should consider the responsibilities that come with raising a child. Cost is one factor to consider; the most recent data shows it costs at least $245,000 to raise a child for 18 years. You should also ask yourself if you can provide the stable household you want for your child. Will you have to raise the child on your own as a single mother, or will you be able to co-parent with the baby’s father? It’s important that you determine whether you are really ready to be a parent or if you’re pushing yourself into a long-term commitment too quickly.
You should consider all of your options before deciding to raise your child. We recommend you contact us or speak to a counselor at Michael’s partner adoption agency, American Adoptions (1-800-ADOPTION), to determine if you are in the right situation to parent your child.
If you’re curious about adoption, you should know there are many reasons for why women choose adoption over abortion or parenting. First off, adoption is completely free for pregnant women. Not only does choosing adoption protect you from the financial burden of a pregnancy and parenting, but you can also choose every aspect of your adoption, including the perfect adoptive family with which to place your baby. You can even be in contact with the adoptive family as your baby grows up.
It may seem like an intimidating choice, but remember that Mike Belfonte can walk you through every step of your adoption process, making sure it’s completed safely and legally in both Kansas and Missouri.
At the end of the day, you are the only one who can decide which unplanned pregnancy option is the best for you. If you’re considering adoption over abortion and parenting, you can call Mike Belfonte at 816-842-3580 to discuss your individual situation for free and with no obligation, or contact him online here.