Facts About Adoption Instead of Abortion

Almost half of all pregnancies in the United States are unintended. An unexpected pregnancy forces a mother to make a choice when she does not want to parent a child. A woman has options available for an unplanned pregnancy, and choosing adoption or abortion requires learning the facts of both options.

Abortion

An abortion is the intentional termination of a pregnancy, performed as a short surgical procedure. It is usually done by a physician. According to the Guttmacher Institute, nearly four out of 10 pregnancies end in abortion, 88 percent of which are done within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy 1. Over 70 percent of women who have had abortions state they experienced negative feelings about the situation.

Adoption

Teen Abortion Facts

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Adoption involves the process of placing a baby with someone else to raise her as their own. Although adoptive parents may not have a biological connection with the child, they are capable of raising a baby and providing loving care. Many adopted children grow up with the understanding that they were loved enough by their biological mother to be given to adoptive parents. Most adopted children are as well-adjusted and healthy as children raised in homes with biological parents.

Assistance

Facing an unplanned pregnancy is a scary situation and many women are unsure of which choice to make. Talking with professionals can help with making a decision. Organizations such as crisis pregnancy centers offer counselors for support. Discussing options with an adoption service provider also helps to understand the process of placing a child for adoption in a method that is not judgmental.

Adoption Benefits

Adoption Vs. Having Your Own Kids

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Adoption allows a birthmother to choose the family who will raise her child. Although she will not care for her baby directly, she can arrange how much contact she wants with her baby as he grows. Adoption allows a birthparent to continue with her life, finish school and achieve other goals while knowing that her baby is being cared for. Adoptive children can grow up knowing they are in a stable home with a permanent family.

Considerations

Before making a decision to choose adoption over abortion, it is important to be informed of all the facts. Some myths exist to influence women toward making certain decisions. Learning the facts about adoption and abortion can provide information that will guide a mother to the best decision for her and her baby See, for example, the website American Adoptions, linked in the References section.