| After you discover that you are pregnant, you may | | | | Ultimately, it is your decision. If you decide to carry |
| be frightened and worried about having an | | | | the baby to term, but would like to give it up for |
| unexpected baby. Depending on your situation, you | | | | adoption, you have many resources available to you. |
| may be unhappy to have a child because of age, | | | | Pregnancy clinics and adoption centers can offer |
| finance, social, or emotionally reasons. You may be | | | | support and information to help you make an |
| single and scared to face motherhood alone or at | | | | informed decision. You can also receive pre- and |
| such a young age. You may be married, but do not | | | | post-natal care, legal assistance, housing, and |
| want any more children. Whatever your situation, an | | | | maternity clothes through pregnancy and adoption |
| unplanned pregnancy can occur when a condom | | | | services. |
| breaks or birth control pills fail, or for a number of | | | | Unlike the horror stories of adoptions in the past, |
| other reasons. | | | | today adoptions use a very open process that offer |
| After you discover you are pregnant, try not to | | | | you complete confidentiality. You can choose from a |
| panic. Initially it will be quite a shock. Allow yourself to | | | | list of hopeful parents. If you desire an open |
| feel these emotions at first. Slowly, the shock will | | | | adoption, you can meet with the couple and remain in |
| fade and you will be able to think about the decisions | | | | contact with them after you give up the baby. This |
| that lay ahead. After collecting your thoughts, | | | | gives you the peace of mind that your baby is |
| research your options so you can make an informed | | | | receiving the best care and love possible. A closed |
| decision. You have the options of abortion, keeping | | | | adoption gives you anonymity so you have no |
| the baby, or giving the baby up for adoption. Decide | | | | contact with the adoptive parents or your child after |
| what is best for you and the baby. Although you | | | | the adoptive process has been finalized. |
| may have a decision in mind, remember that the male | | | | Although an unplanned pregnancy may be an |
| involved also has a role in the decision-making | | | | unhappy occurrence at first, it can turn into a happy |
| process and has rights and responsibilities to the child | | | | experience for you. If you decide to keep the child, |
| as well. | | | | you will be blessed with the baby's happy smile, along |
| After you have had some time to think and collect | | | | with the memories that will last forever. If you give |
| your thoughts, you may want to confide in a family | | | | your baby up for adoption, you will be able to give |
| member, close friend, or religious clergy member. Find | | | | the greatest gift to a hopeful couple who can give |
| someone that can be supportive of your decision or | | | | your baby the love and attention that every child |
| who can offer you advice without unneeded | | | | deserves. Whatever you decide, make an informed |
| pressure. Although your boyfriend, husband, or other | | | | decision so you can feel secure and happy about it in |
| male involved may be the first you tell, this doesn't | | | | the years that follow. |
| always have to be the case. | | | | |