Governor Greg Abbott recently signed the Texas Heartbeat Bill, restricting abortions in the state of Texas after the baby’s heartbeat has been observed. This means that abortions are only legal before approximately six weeks gestation.
Many people assume that laws like this increase the number of adoptions since it limits a woman’s pregnancy choices to parenting or adoption after two months. But is this really true?
The reality is that women today are still not educated on the choices available in modern adoption, so they often make adoption decisions based on what they think adoption is. And sadly, many of the things women believe about adoption are based on the type of adoption that took place more than 50 years ago.
If we want more women to choose adoption rather than abortion today, we have to ensure that we are sharing the truth about adoption with every pregnant woman considering adoption. This especially holds true in pregnancy centers and other medical clinics. Laws like the Texas Heartbeat Bill will change the options for expectant moms, but we need to be sure that the conversations are changing too.
Here are the key points that women facing unplanned pregnancies today need to know about modern adoption:
They have time to decide. A woman doesn’t have to decide on adoption right away. This decision can be made at any time during their pregnancy or even after their baby is born. So, they can take the time they need to really find out if adoption is the right decision for their baby.
They can make a birth plan. Moms choosing adoption are like any other pregnant woman. After giving birth, they can see and hold their baby. They can decide who is in the delivery room and who cuts the cord. They can take the time they need after delivery to sign the papers.
They can see, talk to, and meet adoptive families before they’ve made a decision. So often, women think they need to decide on adoption prior to talking to waiting families. That is simply not true. Part of determining if adoption is right for them is seeing waiting families and even talking to them.
Future contact (open adoption) can incorporate today’s technology! Adoption does not mean “goodbye” forever. The pregnant mom decides what type of contact she wants in the future. It can include visits and social media, even texting and video chat! Waiting families with Lifetime Christian Adoption are ready to embrace the child and the birth mother.
Adoption Training for Healthcare Professionals
Lifetime provides free training to hospitals, clinics, and others about what modern adoption looks like today. In addition, our adoption coordinators are available 24 hours a day to answer questions about adoption from women with unexpected pregnancies and advocates working on their behalf. Just call or text us anytime 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.
