When you find out you are pregnant, your life will never
be the same again, no matter what choice you make. That
moment of discovery can be especially shocking if it is an
unplanned pregnancy. It will take some time to let the
initial shock set in. LifeChoices can help you know where to
begin. Start by making an appointment to confirm your
pregnancy. At that time, you may choose to have an
ultrasound and your counselor will discuss all of your
options and answer any questions you may have. To set up a
free and confidential appointment, call LifeChoices at
417-624-8030 or toll-free 1-800-638-1023. You may want to
consider writing down your thoughts, feelings, and fears
about each option. Because this is a pivotal decision that
you will never forget, you will want to explore every
possibility. Here are some thoughts to contemplate when
considering all of your parenting options—parenting,
adoption, and abortion.
Your Choice to Parent:
Being a parent has been described as one of the most
challenging and rewarding experiences of life. It is a
miracle to watch this tiny life grow inside of you and
develop into a person with a unique personality,
interests and talents; as you learn how to guide,
encourage and provide for this extension of you. Besides
love, the most essential need in parenting is support.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Is marrying the father a possibility? Why or why
not?
- Would he consider pre-marital counseling?
- What type of support could he provide? (i.e.:
financial, role model, childcare)
- How would my family help?
- Could I live with family or another single mom?
- How could I share responsibilities with those I
live with?
- What would it take to live on my own with my
baby?
- How can I continue to reach my goals to make a
better life for me and my baby?
- Would I consider applying for WIC, Medicaid and
other government programs?
- Have I called LifeChoices to find resources in
my area that can provide parenting support and
supplies?
Click here for more information on parenting.
Your Choice to Place for Adoption:
There are a wide range of adoption plans to choose from,
everything from closed to very open adoptions. Obtain as
much information on adoption as possible to make an
informed decision. Here are some things that adoption
can include:
- You can choose the adoptive family and many
details of your child's future.
- You can determine what you would like your
relationship to be with your child and the adoptive
family.
- Adoptive parents explain adoption to the child
at each stage of development in order to become
well-adjusted, successful individuals.
- At any point in the process you may decide to
parent. Every state is different, though most
adoptions are final when the child is 6 months old.
- Counseling, support groups and other services
enable each person involved to work through the
grieving process, issues of loss and challenges
along the way.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- What would be an ideal home for my child?
- What do I want to provide for my child?
- Have I called a pregnancy specialist at
LifeChoices by calling toll-free 1-800-638-1023 or
624-8030 to find out about adoption services and
counselors in my area?
Click here for more information on adoption.
Your Choice to Have an Abortion:
Though no decision will be easy and each comes with
different challenges, gathering as much information on
the types of abortion procedures and their risks will
help you make an informed decision. Remember that this
is your decision, even though other's opinions may
matter.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Am I informed of all the procedures and risks?
- Have I been tested for STD's?
- What are my state's laws?
- Is there anyone pressuring me to have an
abortion?
- Have I talked with someone who has been through
an abortion to discuss their experience?
- How have I viewed abortion in the past?
- Have I called a pregnancy specialist at
LifeChoices by calling toll-free 1-800-638-1023 or
624-8030 to discuss my options and find out more of
the facts on abortion?
Click here for more information on abortion.
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