Your Pregnancy Alternatives:
Adoption
vs Abortion vs Parenting
Did you know that fewer than half of the 6.2
million women who became pregnant in 2002 had
planned the pregnancy? This means that you are
far from being alone in your situation. More
than 3 million women annually share your fear
and your confusion (Options Magazine, 2003).
Three possible alternatives
are available to a birthmother facing an
unplanned pregnancy. When making the decision,
it is important to consider the following:
your future,
your baby's future,
and the financial
aspects.
Adoption Network of Colorado is here to
help you explore your options and to decide what
will be best both you and your baby. We have
gathered the following information to help you
make your decision.
Your
Future:
Your decision between adoption, abortion, and
parenting can affect your future in severely
different ways.
-
Adoption gives
you the freedom to pursue your earlier
dreams, and to be young and independent. You
will not have bear the financial, emotional,
and physical burden of parenthood. Your
pregnancy will end in giving life, and you
can feel good that you have welcomed a life
and brought joy to a loving adoptive family.
This choice will also offer you an
opportunity to maintain contact with your
baby and watch him/her grow.
-
Abortion also
offers you the freedom from the obligation
of parenting. The differences lie in that
your pregnancy ends with the death of the
baby. There is the possibility that you may
feel guilt and regret your choice. Abortion
is also the final end to the babies future.
-
Parenting comes
with significant obligations and
responsibilities. Like adoption, you will
get the chance to give life and to watch
him/her grow. However, you will have to
alter your dreams for your child and learn
to make sacrifices for him/her. Remember,
parenting is a life long commitment with
significant financial, emotional, and
physical demands.
Your
Baby's Future:
your choice can mean life and
death for your child. Furthermore, his/her life
style will also be determined.
-
Adoption offers
your child the love and support of adoptive
parents who are emotionally and financially
prepared to be parents. It may lead to a
life of stability for your child in a loving
two-parent environment. Remember you will
choose the family who will raise your child.
-
Abortion will
stop the pregnancy before birth.
-
Parenting
demands substantial resources and provisions
to raise a child. Your financial and
emotional situation will determine his/her
future. The kind of life your child will
have depends solely on you.
Cost Differences:
Financial obligations are an important part of
your decision. Significant cost differences
exist between the three choices.
-
Adoption: there is
no cost to you if you choose adoption.
Adoption Network of Colorado and the adoptive family
will help cover related expenses such as
medical bills, including but not limited to
prenatal care, hospital stay, and delivery
expenses. Living expenses are also available
in many cases to help you during your
pregnancy.
-
Abortion: In 2001,
the average cost for surgical abortion at 10
weeks was about $468, and $487 for medical
abortion. These fees vary greatly depending
on how far along you are in your pregnancy.
Additional charges may also arise in
different circumstances (The Allen
Guttmacher Institute).
-
Parenting: the
financial obligation that comes with
parenting is a significant, long-term
commitment. Please remember that the cost of
raising a child includes and is not limited
to providing food and shelter, medical
costs, clothing, recreation, and educational
expenses.
Carefully evaluate the above choices and keep
in mind that
adoption offers a positive and beneficial
solution to this challenging
circumstance. |