Hear your own voice when deciding about adoption or keeping the baby
Unplanned pregnancy? Deciding about adoption or keeping the baby can be difficult. Get information from Legacy Adoption Services.
It’s strange. You’ll encounter many people who tell women with unplanned pregnancies what they should do – yet this also is a time when most women feel very lonely. Friends, family and strangers have opinions that are based on their experiences and beliefs, or those of others. If you feel that you may not be ready to become a parent, then you are faced with deciding about adoption or keeping the baby. Gather information from both sides of the issue so that you can make a decision that is your own.
When do I need to decide about adoption or keeping the baby?
You have 48 hours after the birth of the child to decide whether you want to place your baby for adoption through a licensed adoption agency or keep and raise the child. When you enlist an adoption agency such as Legacy Adoption Services, you can wait as long as you need to select a family for to raise your baby. However, experts suggest that you start the process sooner, so that you can take advantage of counseling and other services.
What will my decision cost?
Keeping the baby
On average, the estimated cost of raising a child from birth to age 18 is nearly $240,000. This estimate includes just the basics to create a safe life for a growing child.
- Food
- Housing and utilities
- Childcare
- Clothing and other necessities
- Health insurance
Additional costs beyond this average might include fun activities and life-enriching opportunities, such as sports, camps or college.
Adoption
There is never a cost for a woman if she decides to place her child for adoption. If necessary, adoption agencies can help arrange assistance with food, housing, utilities and maternity clothing during the pregnancy. Counseling and legal fees are also covered by the agency.
What reasons do other women cite for deciding between adoption and keeping the baby?
Keeping the baby
The most common reason that women want to keep their babies is love. Every mother wants the very best for their child, and many women feel a strong connection even before their baby is born. However, it’s also important to consider whether it is possible to give the baby a good life, in which the child has opportunities to thrive. Choosing whether to keep the baby can be harder for women facing financial instability, relationship problems with the father, reluctance to become a single parent, or fears that the pregnancy will have a negative impact on her education or career.
Adoption
Women who choose adoption for their unwanted baby often do so because of the same reasons listed above, with one difference. They often cite cultural, moral or religious beliefs that discourage them from becoming single mothers. Adoption allows you to choose the environment in which your child will grow up, and allows you to have a level of involvement that is agreed upon before birth or at the hospital.
The short- and long-term effects of unexpected pregnancy are as different as the women who make these choices. Contact the compassionate counselors at Legacy Adoption Services at 817-899-5000, or seek other sources. Let us help you find your unique voice when making this big decision.