Teen Pregnancy Options and Support [Your 3 Options]
If you’re wondering how to move forward because you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy as a teen and not in a position to be a parent, you have options for your teenage pregnancy in Missouri.
An unplanned teenage pregnancy can be overwhelming. You might feel like you’re still a kid yourself. Unwanted teenage pregnancies are more common than you’d think, and you don’t have to go through it alone.
You don’t have to parent if you know that’s not what you want. With over 30 years of adoption experience as a national adoption agency, American Adoptions of Missouri can help you review your unplanned teenage pregnancy options and give you access to the resources and services you need.
After you discover your unplanned pregnancy, you will find out that there are three options a teen couple has if she’s pregnant:
You will always be in charge of what unwanted teenage pregnancy option you want to choose. Regardless of your status as a minor, you will always be in control of your pregnancy and how you plan to move forward. It’s your body and your pregnancy.
Before choosing between the three options for a pregnant teenage girl like yourself, it’s important that you receive free, unplanned pregnancy counseling and get as much information as you can about each path. Here are the basics you should know about each option before moving forward:
1. Adoption for Unwanted Teenage Pregnancy in Missouri
If you know you don’t want to parent but don’t want to get an abortion, adoption might be the best unplanned teenage pregnancy option for you. You can choose adoption at any point in your pregnancy. There is no right or wrong time.
By choosing adoption, you are giving your baby the gift of a loving family who can give them the best life possible, while also allowing you to resume the life you had before your unwanted teenage pregnancy.
Adoption can give you back control over your future during a time where you might feel overwhelmed with uncertainty. When you choose adoption, you will be completely in charge. You’ll be able to create your own adoption plan and shape your own adoption journey.
When you choose American Adoptions to help you with your adoption, we’ll be able to help you find the perfect family to raise your baby. Thanks to our national size and scope, we work with all kinds of hopeful adoptive parents all over the country, which means we’ll be able to help you find the right match for your baby in a shorter amount of time. You will always be able to choose the prospective adoptive couple who will raise your baby.
While you will have to carry your unwanted teenage pregnancy in Missouri to term, our adoption specialists will work with you to provide you with the resources and services you need. American Adoptions can provide you with:
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24/7 counseling and support services: The emotions that accompany an unintended teenage pregnancy can be a lot to deal with. Our adoption counselors can help you talk through these feelings and provide a shoulder to lean on.
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Financial assistance: As an expectant mother, adoption will always be free to you. As a teenager, you are likely not financially dependent. Even if your parents are helping you with some expenses, our financial assistance will cover all pregnancy-related expenses.
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Legal representation: During your adoption process, your rights deserve to be protected. We will connect you with an adoption attorney to represent you and make sure you understand the legal side of your adoption journey.
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Open Adoption. You will be able to stay in touch with your child in whatever way you see fit. You will be able to connect with your child and their adoptive family through texts, calls, emails, phone calls and in-person visits.
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And more.
For many birth mothers, adoption was not just an option they chose, it was the best decision they made for both their baby and themselves. Erika, a birth mother who chose American Adoptions to help her with the adoption of her baby, said of her decision:
“Even though adoption was the hardest decision I will ever make in my life, American Adoptions also made it the best decision I’ve ever made in my life.”
2. Abortion for Unintended Teenage Pregnancy in Missouri
If you’re wondering how to deal with an unplanned teenage pregnancy in Missouri, you may have the option of terminating your pregnancy. Obtaining an abortion can seem like an easy and instant solution to your unintended teenage pregnancy. You don’t have to carry your baby to term or go through the process of childbirth. However, getting an abortion as a minor can be complicated.
If you’re under the age of 17, you will need your parent’s consent to obtain an abortion in the state of Missouri. You are also only able to terminate your pregnancy within a certain time period. In Missouri, abortions are prohibited if you’re over 22 weeks pregnant.
While 90% of women do not regret their decision to abort, you may experience difficult emotions such as guilt and grief. Before choosing abortion as how to deal with your unwanted teenage pregnancy in Missouri, you should consult your doctor or an unplanned pregnancy counselor to determine if this is what’s best for you.
3. Parenting after an Unplanned Teenage Pregnancy in Missouri
If you’re dealing with an unintended teenage pregnancy and feel like you’re in a situation where you can parent, this is an option for you. However, it’s important to give this decision a lot of thought. Parenthood is a beautiful journey, but it comes with its fair share of challenges and responsibilities.
An unwanted teenage pregnancy could be even more challenging if you are not financially independent. You might need to continue living with your parents for financial support and put your own educational and/or career goals on hold while you parent your child.
It’s important to keep in mind that you never have to parent if you’re facing an unplanned teenage pregnancy in Missouri. It’s okay to not want to take on such a big responsibility. Even as a minor, your parents cannot make parent nor can they make you choose any unwanted teenage pregnancy option for you.
Next Steps
To learn more about choosing adoption for your unwanted teenage pregnancy in Missouri, contact our adoption specialists now or call 1-800-ADOPTION. We can help you figure which unplanned teenage pregnancy option is right for you or help you begin your adoption journey.
Disclaimer
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