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Facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel like a complete crisis. If you are in this situation, and you live in Virginia, you may be feeling scared, overwhelmed, and all alone. You may be unsure where to turn, or who to call, for support. In your search for pregnancy help in Virginia, you may also have a million thoughts racing through your mind. What am I going to do? Am I ready to become a parent? What are my choices?
The first thing to know is that you are not alone. Nearly half of all pregnancies are unplanned. You may not have planned for this pregnancy, but the good news is that you do have choices. You can take some time to consider your options and make a positive choice for yourself and your future. Most importantly: You do not have to face this on your own. There are resources and support systems that can help.
Read on, as we break down where to find pregnancy help in Virginia.
Help for Pregnant Women in Virginia
Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be incredibly stressful. You may not be in the best financial shape right now, or you may not have the most stable living situation. Whether you are a young student or do not feel prepared to take on parenthood, you can rest assured that you can find support and places that will offer you the help you deserve.
The State of Virginia offers several health coverage programs for qualifying pregnant people. The following programs can provide you with help:
From tips regarding your prenatal healthcare to baby care programs, there are many resources available with the Department of Medical Assistance Services at Virginia Medicaid.
The Virginia Department of Health also offers resources for pregnant people and new parents. Resource Mothers works to lower infant mortality and low birth weight rates amongst Virginia’s pregnant and parenting teens. Any pregnant teen is eligible for this free program.
Another place to find support is with an adoption agency. A private, domestic, full-service adoption agency like Adoptions With Love can offer emotional, financial, and medical support for those who choose to make an adoption plan for their child. An adoption agency is not just a resource for adoption planning. It is also a resource for pregnant women who are unsure what to do, and who would like to learn about their options. An adoption agency can counsel you on your pregnancy options in Virginia, and help you make a decision that is best for you and your baby.
The Choice is Yours to Make
Once you have absorbed the news of your pregnancy, there are some choices to be made. No one can make these decisions for you. Only you have the power to decide what to do about your unplanned pregnancy in Virginia. You should never feel pressured or forced into a situation for which you are not ready.
There are three basic choices for expectant parents in Virginia:
- Abortion
- Adoption
- Parenthood
We break these all down below.
Parenthood
When facing an unplanned pregnancy, many expectant mothers may ask themselves: ‘Am I ready to raise a child?’ This is a natural question for many expectant parents. If you can confidently answer yes, then you may in fact be ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Parenthood is an exciting and rewarding journey. If, however, you are unsure about this option, you may want to consider the costs and time commitments required. The average cost of raising a child in the U.S. from birth to age 18 (not counting college tuition) exceeds $300,000. This includes childcare, which is needed any time spent away from baby. Whether you plan on working full time, attending school, or spending any of your waking hours away from your child, you will need to consider who will be watching your child.
Not everyone wants to be a parent. If you feel this way – or you know that you are not ready – that is okay, too. There are two other options for pregnant Virginian.
Abortion
Termination, or abortion, in Virginia is . If you are pursuing an abortion in the second trimester, it must take place at a hospital. It is important to know that getting an abortion in Virginia is not always easy. In 92 percent of Virginia’s counties, there are no clinics that provide the procedure. This means that many pregnant people in Virginia need to travel to get an abortion. Travel can be an added expense that you simply cannot afford.
If you do not want to get an abortion, or you are unable to get one, there is no more option for you to consider.
Adoption
Like parenthood, adoption is an incredibly loving, selfless, and devoted choice. Placing your baby for adoption means placing your child’s needs before your own. You can give your child a life full of love and opportunity, with a caring and stable family.
While making the decision to place your child for adoption is not an easy one, it is one that brings many benefits for birth mothers in the long run. With adoption, you have the freedom to pursue your own personal and professional dreams while knowing that your child is safe, happy, and loved.
When an expectant/birth mother contacts a private adoption agency for support, she can rest assured that her child will be in good hands. At Adoptions With Love, every prospective adoptive parent must complete a Home Study. This is a several months-long process that ensures parents are ready and able to raise a baby. It involves multiple home visits, interviews, background checks, and the thorough examination of personal, medical, and financial records.
If you choose to explore open adoption in Virginia, you will have the power to select your child’s adoptive parents and create a custom-designed adoption plan that meets your needs. With open adoption, you can take comfort in knowing that there will be no “goodbye forever” once the adoption is complete. You will maintain ongoing communication – if you choose – with your child’s adoptive family for many years to come. Many birth parents find that they build a close relationship with their child’s adoptive family, which means that the child will be loved by two families together instead of just one.
In addition to your adoption plan – which is free of charge – you can find much more support with an adoption agency. Throughout your pregnancy and during the recovery period, you will find that you can have support – financial, medical, and emotional – every step of the way.
At Adoptions With Love, there are many free services and financial support offered to expectant/birth parents, such as:
- Financial assistance with utilities, phone, maternity clothing and other necessities, as needed.
- Designing your adoption plan.
- Housing assistance. We can pay a deposit and several months of rent.
- Complete counseling services by compassionate and experienced professionals to assist you in planning for your future and that of your baby.
- Medical care. Adoptions With Love will cover any uninsured medical expenses when you complete the adoption, and help you find a doctor or midwife with whom you feel comfortable.
- Legal assistance provided by experienced lawyers who specialize in adoption.
- Ongoing contact through pictures and letters from the adoptive family of your child over the years.
If you are living in Virginia and need some help as you face this unplanned pregnancy, reach out for support. Whether you wish to parent, terminate your pregnancy, or make an adoption plan for your baby, you can find help and make this decision with a strong support team surrounding you.
If you would like to learn more about adoption or your options in Virginia, reach out to Adoptions With Love today. Call us any time of day, any day of the week at 800-772-7731, text us confidentially at 617-777-0072, or contact us online. No matter your decision, you will be met with the dignity, respect, and compassion you deserve.
