If you’re a Christian and find yourself in an unplanned pregnancy, you may be feeling scared at the thought of being a mother. You probably have a thousand questions swirling around in your brain.
First of all, what you’re feeling is very normal. As you pray and process what’s happened and how you feel, you will need to consider your options. As a Christian, you may not feel like terminating the pregnancy is an option for you, but placing your child for adoption or parenting the child are your other two options.
This decision is entirely yours alone. But, like any important decision, you must discuss your options with someone before deciding. That’s because this will impact not only your life but the life of your child. Be sure to get some good counseling before making a definitive decision.
At Lifetime Adoption, we can connect you with a professionally trained counselor. In addition, our adoption professionals are available 24/7 to talk with you and help you work through the process of what’s best for you and the baby.
As you think about adoption, you might wonder, “why?” Why do women choose adoption? Here are the top seven reasons that women say they chose adoption when they were in an unplanned pregnancy.
1. Can’t Afford to Raise a Child
Raising kids is expensive. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that the cost to raise one child could be as much as $200,000, and this cost goes up every year. Many women see these costs as too prohibitive for them to raise a child. Without the proper resources, adoption gives you the guarantee that your child will be able to have the opportunities they need to grow into a happy, healthy adult.
2. Not Ready for Motherhood
Another reason many women choose to place their baby for adoption is that they’re not ready to be a mom. Whether they are too young or just not ready, many women share that they don’t feel like they’re in a position to care for a child 24/7. Being a full-time mother is a huge commitment, and if you’re not ready, adoption is a wonderful option. You’ll have the satisfaction of knowing your child is well cared for and be able to see them grow into happy, healthy adults.
3. Can’t Parent Another Child
Many women who call Lifetime are parenting several other children already and feel that they just can’t care for one more child. If this is the case with you, know that you don’t need to feel embarrassed by this. This is actually a common reason why women choose adoption. It allows you to choose who raises your child, all the while maintaining a relationship with them.
4. In an Abusive Relationship
Some women find themselves in an abusive relationship with the child’s father. They may worry that the child will suffer if they bring them home.
If you’re in an abusive relationship, you may want to get out of it but feel it will be too hard with a baby in tow. Deciding to place your child in adoption with a loving family could be your safest choice. If you need help leaving an abusive relationship, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
5. Don’t Want to Be a Single Parent
Not having the support of a partner makes parenting tough. If you find yourself in an unplanned pregnancy, you may feel anxious about being a single parent.
You may not feel ready to raise a child by yourself, especially if the child’s father is unwilling to help out. Adoption gives you the ability to offer your child stability with the support of a two-parent family.
6. Sexual Assault
Often, women who got pregnant from a sexual assault choose to place the baby for adoption. If you’re in this situation, it’s important that you get professional counseling to help you work through the trauma of the assault and help you decide what to do about the pregnancy. Remember, you’re not alone. There are people who want to assist you as you walk through this difficult situation.
7. Plans for the Future
Finding out that you’re pregnant can be a shock and cause anxiety about your future. Perhaps you’re still in school or in the process of a thriving career. Having a baby will alter your plans for your future dreams and goals. Adoption allows you the chance to give your child a life they deserve as well as continue with your plans.
If you found out you’re pregnant and are thinking about adoption, Lifetime Adoption is available 24/7 to talk with you about your options. Just call or text us at 1-800-923-6784.
As the Vice President (VP) of Lifetime Adoption, Heather Featherston holds an MBA and is passionate about working with those facing adoption, pregnancy, and parenting issues. Heather has conducted training for birth parent advocates, spoken to professional groups, and has appeared on television and radio to discuss the multiple aspects of adoption. She has provided one-on-one support to women and hopeful adoptive parents working through adoption decisions.
Since 2002, she has been helping pregnant women and others in crisis to learn more about adoption. Heather also trains and speaks nationwide to pregnancy clinics to effectively meet the needs of women who want to explore adoption for their child. Today, she continues to address the concerns women have about adoption and supports the needs of women who choose adoption for their child.
As a published author of the book Called to Adoption, Featherston loves to see God’s hand at work every day as she helps children and families come together through adoption.
