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.