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Each May, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services recognizes Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month as a time to spread awareness about the number of adolescents facing an unplanned pregnancy, and ask ourselves what we can do to help. This May, Adoptions With Love would like to shed light not just on the topic of teen pregnancy, but on the positive options and resources available to pregnant teens during this difficult time.
In a recent infographic, we showed that nearly 1,700 teens give birth each week. In the United States, there are over 550,000 teen pregnancies each year. On average, about 1 in 4 young women will give birth before their 20th birthday. If you are facing a teen pregnancy, know that you are not alone.
As a young woman, you may be feeling nervous and unsure of your unplanned pregnancy options. Do you have to parent your child? Do you have to tell your parents? What if you are not ready to become a mom? Is adoption an option for teens? What about the baby’s father- does he have to play a part in your decision? It is important that women – and women of all ages – understand their rights and choices, particularly when it comes to adoption.
We understand that there is a lot of teen pregnancy information circulating on the Internet, and much of it can be unclear or overwhelming. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and want help weighing all your options, we are here for you. Adoptions With Love is an excellent resource for those looking for some guidance and teen pregnancy help.
You Are Not Alone
You may have felt very scared and alone after getting that positive test result. Right now, you may feel like the world is on your shoulders, and that no adult can possibly understand the stress and pressure on you. You want to make the best possible decision, but do not know where to start or who to turn to for support. No matter the situation at home – parents’ disapproval, lack of support from the baby’s father, or an unstable home life – there is always help available. You are not alone.
The caring staff at Adoptions With Love is here to ensure that you have the support and guidance you deserve throughout this emotional journey. We will discuss all your options with you, teach you more about adoption, and provide neutral teen pregnancy help — all free of pressure and free of cost.
As a teen, you may not have considered adoption for your baby before. Many teens do not know that adoption is an option for them. Many only know of the kind of adoptions in the movies, those surrounded by secrecy. Some think of adoption as an act of “giving up.” The truth is, adoption is a positive act of love that allows you to give your baby a life full of love, family, nourishment, opportunity, stability, and safety. Today, adoptions are also very open.
When making an adoption plan today, you can choose the perfect family to raise your baby and meet them in-person. You may also have the option to stay in touch with them, and your child, over the years.
Adoption is certainly not easy, but it is one of the most loving decisions you can make for your baby. You did not plan to get pregnant, but you can make a thoughtful plan for your baby’s life. The social workers at Adoptions With Love understand that this is an emotionally-trying experience, and will take the time to listen to your hopes and needs, and help you create the best possible adoption plan for you.
Choosing Your Perfect Adoption Plan
When seeking teen pregnancy help, you may have many questions or worries about the adoption process. You may feel nervous about giving birth. You may wonder if you will be able to part ways with your baby once he or she is born. These are all common concerns. Rest assured you have many options when it comes to adoption. You do not have to commit to an all-or-nothing plan, where the baby goes with the adoptive family and that is the end of contact. Today, you can choose to have an open adoption, meaning you can maintain communication with your child’s family over the years (via letters and pictures, phone calls, video chats, back-and-forth emails, or even in-person contact) if you would like. Children in open adoption arrangements are generally happier than those in closed adoptions.
Of course, open adoption is not right for everyone. Perhaps you prefer to remain anonymous, keep your information private, and feel that closed adoption is the best option for you. We understand completely, and this is an option for you at Adoptions With Love. If making an adoption plan becomes too emotional, you can leave the big decisions (like choosing the family) up to our trained social workers.
When it comes to adoption, there is no hard-and-fast rule, no one-size-fits-all plan. You choose the adoption plan that best suits you and your baby’s best interests. Adoptions With Love will help guide you through this process to design your perfect adoption plan.
The Future Looks Bright
Many teens facing unplanned pregnancies also worry about their education. If you are in high school or college, you may be wondering how you will complete your education and reach your goals. This is an understandable concern. An estimated 60 percent of teenage mothers do not finish high school. Of the thousands of young women who have children in college, 61 percent do not complete their degree. Your pregnancy does not have to put an end to your education. When you choose adoption, you can still pursue your goals and give your baby a wonderful life. To offer some guidance on this topic, Adoptions With Love has answered some common questions about pregnancy and education.
No matter your age or situation, Adoptions With Love wants you to know that there are plenty of options and teen pregnancy resources available. As a full-service, non-profit adoption agency, Adoptions With Love can give that very support to you. If you are considering adoption, we are here to give you professional and supportive counseling, legal guidance, and financial assistance at no cost to you.
If you or someone you know is facing an unplanned pregnancy, please do not hesitate to call Adoptions With Love toll free and confidentially at 1-800-722-7731. You may also text us 24/7 at 1-617-777-0072. For more teen pregnancy information, please download our free guide below.