If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, know that you are not alone. Almost half of all pregnancies are unplanned, and you do have pregnancy options to help you move forward from this unexpected time in your life. Which one you choose, however, can be a complicated decision.

Many women in your situation wonder, “What are my options if I’m pregnant unexpectedly? How do I know which one is the right choice for me?”

Choosing between your options for an unwanted pregnancy in North Carolina may be a difficult decision, and it’s ultimately one that you have to make on your own. The doubt and confusion you’re feeling is normal; it’s overwhelming to be faced with an unexpected pregnancy and be unsure of what to do next.

If you are wondering what to do with an unplanned pregnancy, your first step is fully researching all of the unplanned pregnancy options available to you. Because this is a life-changing decision, you’ll need to understand exactly what each of your options for pregnancy means to know which one is right for you.

At the Parker Herring Law Group PLLC, we can help. Our adoption professionals can provide information on all of your unplanned pregnancy options and help you connect to free, no-obligation options counseling with local adoption counselors. We are dedicated to helping you decide what the best path for your unintended pregnancy is and, if you choose to pursue adoption, we can guide you through the process in North Carolina.

To learn more or be connected with an adoption professional today, please call 919-821-1860 or contact us online.

You can read more about your options for pregnancy below to start deciding which is right for you.

Adoption

Adoption is a selfless choice that some pregnant women make if they know they cannot provide the kind of life they want for their unborn baby. Instead, they choose to place their child with an adoptive family to give them the best opportunities and a chance for a happy and healthy life.

You can choose adoption at any point in your pregnancy or even after you have already given birth. You will always have the opportunity to choose an adoptive family for your baby, the kind of contact you wish to have with your baby as they grow up, and more. Adoption is always completely free to expectant mothers, and you may receive financial assistance to help with your pregnancy and living expenses.

Before choosing to place your baby for adoption in North Carolina, it’s important that you understand how the process works and what your legal rights are if you pursue this path. The adoption attorneys at the Parker Herring Law Group PLLC can always explain how adoption works in North Carolina and refer you to a local adoption agency for all of the support you need along the way.

Remember, you are never obligated to choose adoption unless you are certain it’s right for you, even after you’ve started creating an adoption plan. Once you sign your adoption consent (only after your baby is born), the decision is final.

While there can be emotions of grief and loss if you place your baby for adoption, the ability to remain in contact with your child as he or she grows up can help relieve some of those feelings. This contact is also a reason why many women choose adoption for their unborn baby.

You may ask, “How do I know if adoption is right for me?” If you are interested in placing your baby for adoption, please contact our adoption attorneys today or a local adoption agency like A Child’s Hope, who can provide more information.

Abortion

Sometimes, women who have an unwanted pregnancy instead choose to have an abortion. In North Carolina, this pregnancy option is only available to women who are less than 20 weeks pregnant.

Abortion, like your other pregnancy options, is a serious decision to make. An abortion must be performed by a doctor in a hospital or clinic that has the license to perform abortions, and the procedure can cost from $500 to $2,000. These costs may or may not be covered by insurance. If you are under the age of 18, you must have a parent or guardian consent to the procedure.

Because abortion is so controversial, there are many biased professionals and organizations that may not give you accurate information about this procedure. Pregnant women considering an abortion should seek out a reliable professional and completely understand all of the medical and emotional risks of this procedure. Abortion is irreversible, so it’s important to make an educated decision, rather than rush into it.

To learn more about the abortion process, reach out to your local Planned Parenthood. If you are pregnant but not ready for another baby and are unsure about abortion, reach out to our professionals to learn more about your other two unwanted pregnancy options.

Parenting

When abortion is not an option for a woman who is unexpectedly pregnant, she may find herself deciding between adoption vs. keeping the baby. In these situations, it’s important to consider the realities of parenting before committing to raising a child.

Parenting is a lifelong commitment and requires a parent to give much of their time, energy and money to providing the best opportunities for their child. Raising a child to age 18 costs about $245,000, so before choosing to parent, you should consider whether you are financially stable enough for that expense. You may need to put your personal educational or career goals on hold in order to provide your child the best opportunities possible.

Being a parent is a highly rewarding but challenging path to take. You should consider whether you have the support system available for this process (especially if you will be a single parent) and whether you can provide the kind of life you want for your child. If you are unsure whether you can, you may consider your pregnancy adoption options instead of committing to becoming a parent.

How to Choose the Best Unplanned Pregnancy Option for You

Ultimately, you are the only person who can decide which of your pregnancy options is best for you. This is a decision that will affect the rest of your life, so you will need to make sure you do all the research necessary to make an informed decision.

As mentioned, the adoption professionals at the Parker Herring Law Group PLLC can always provide the unplanned pregnancy information you need and help you obtain free options counseling to make the best choice for you and your baby. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy in North Carolina, do not hesitate to call our office at 919-821-1860 or contact us online today.