Abortion and adoption in teenage pregnancy are vastly different unplanned pregnancy options. Determining which one is best for you will depend on your situation and your state’s laws. That’s why it’s important to understand the ins and outs of both options. 

To get more information on teen abortion and adoption, you can reach out to an adoption professional today. 

If you’re a teen experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, you probably don’t feel ready to become a parent. There are two options available to you in this situation: 

• Adoption 
• Abortion 

Both of these are valid options with their own unique sets of pros and cons. One may be more beneficial depending on your personal preferences and your circumstances. No matter what, you are the only one who gets to decide which path to take. 

If you’re considering adoption or need more information about your unplanned pregnancy options, contact an adoption professional to get the information you need. 

What to Know About Teenage Pregnancy and Abortion 

As a teen, you’re at a point in your life where you aren’t ready to parent or go through the experience of pregnancy and childbirth. These are both emotionally and physically exhausting processes. That’s why many teens consider abortion when learning of their unplanned pregnancies. 

If you don’t want to be pregnant, a teen abortion will allow you to terminate your pregnancy so that you don’t have to carry your baby to term. However, there are many factors you should consider before choosing to get a teenage abortion. 

Do you have to be 18 to get an abortion? 

No. You can receive an abortion under 18 if your doctor has confirmed that this is a safe option for you. However, some states require parents’ permission in order for a minor to receive an abortion. 

Can you get an abortion without parental consent? 

It depends. Some states have laws requiring parental consent for teen abortion if you’re under a certain age. If you’re considering getting an abortion without your parents knowing, it’s important that you research your state’s abortion laws beforehand. 

Teenage Pregnancy: Adoption Vs Abortion 

There are many advantages of both teen abortion and adoption. However, there are also disadvantages. You might be considering abortion because it feels like the more immediate solution. You may even believe abortion is the cheaper, more confidential option. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. 

We’ll break down the pros and cons of abortion and adoption in teenage pregnancy so that you can make the decision that’s best for you. 

Abortion 

Pros of teenage abortion: 

• You can avoid carrying your pregnancy to term and childbirth. 
• Most women don’t regret their decision 

Cons of teen abortion 

• Parental consent. Depending on your state’s laws, you may be required to get your parents’ consent if you’re a minor under a certain age.  
• You may not be able to receive an abortion if you are past the maximum number of weeks allowed by your state’s laws. 
• Cost. Abortions can cost anywhere between $500-$2,000.  
• Disagreement. You may receive more pushback from those whose religious beliefs or personal values do not align with abortion. 

Adoption 

Pros: 

• Financial assistance. Adoption will never cost you a dime. When you work with an adoption agency, you’ll be able to receive financial assistance to cover any living expenses or pregnancy costs. 
• 24/7 counseling. As a teen experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, you’re likely experiencing a lot of complicated emotions. There are 24/7 adoption hotlines where you can speak to an adoption counselor who can help you process these emotions and answer your questions. 
• Open adoption. Placing your baby for adoption doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye forever. Most adoptions today are open, which means you are able to stay in contact with the adoptive family and your child post-placement. How much and the style of contact will be up to you. 
• Control over your adoption plan. As the birth mother, you will be in control of every aspect of your adoption plan. You’ll even get to choose which hopeful adoptive family gets to adopt your child. All the choices will be yours, but your adoption professional will be by your side every step of the way to answer your questions. 
• Peace of mind. By choosing adoption, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your child will be raised by a loving family. You’re making a brave and selfless choice to make sure your child has access to all the opportunities you want them to be able to enjoy. 

Cons: 

• You won’t have legal parental rights. When your baby has been born, you will sign legal documents terminating your parental rights. Once this has been done, you will not be able to change your mind about adoption. 
• Loss and grief.  Even if you know that you’re making the right choice for you and your baby, you may experience feelings of grief and loss upon being separated from them. Adoption counselors can help you cope with these feelings. 
• Potential outside conflict. Not everyone may agree with your adoption decision. You may experience a confrontation with the baby’s birth father, your parents, friends etc. While this outside pressure may be uncomfortable, just know that nobody else can make this decision for you. If you feel adoption is what’s right for your baby, that’s all that matters. 

If you’re coping with an unplanned pregnancy but are unsure of whether teen abortion or adoption is what’s best for you, an adoption professional can help. To get advice about all of your options, contact an adoption professional today.