3 Alternatives to Abortion [And How to Decide Which is Right for You]
While abortion is one solution to unplanned pregnancy, it's not right for everyone. Here are 3 valuable alternatives to abortion to consider if you’re dealing with an unplanned pregnancy but aren’t sure you want to have an abortion:
Your Unplanned Pregnancy Options if Abortion Isn’t for You
If you’re reading this article, it’s most likely because you’re dealing with an unplanned pregnancy but aren’t sure you want to have an abortion.
The overwhelming emotions that often accompany an unplanned pregnancy can influence you to impulsively choose abortion in order to get that immediate sense of relief before you have carefully considered the effects of your choice. Choosing abortion is absolutely valid if you feel it is what’s best for after carefully considering all of your options.
While abortion is sometimes the right choice for some expectant parents facing an unplanned pregnancy, it’s not for everyone. In this article, read more about 3 valuable alternatives to abortion so that you are aware of all the options available to you.
1. Adoption
One of the more popular alternatives to abortion is choosing adoption. Placing your baby for adoption is a selfless decision that will allow your baby to have the life that you may not be able to provide right now.
If you choose to place your baby for adoption, you will carry your baby to term, and they will be consensually placed with a hopeful adoptive family after they are born.
If you are considering adoption as an option instead of abortion, there are some things you should take into consideration:
- You will have no parental rights to your baby after signing the adoption paperwork at the end of the process.
- You will be able to continue on the path you had laid out for your life knowing your baby is safe and loved.
- You may experience feelings of grief and loss.
- If you choose an open adoption, you will be able to watch your baby grow, stay in touch and meet them some day if you so choose.
- You will have access to 24/7 counseling during the adoption process and post placement.
If you are looking for alternatives for late-term abortion, adoption is always an option, regardless of how far along you are in your pregnancy or even if your baby has already been born. You will learn more about your adoption options below.
Open vs. Closed Adoption
If you pursue an open or semi open adoption as an alternative to abortion, you will be allowed to have some degree of contact with your child and their adoptive family. The details of this arrangement will be for you and the adoptive family to discuss before the adoption is finalized. With an open adoption, the adoptive family will be able to:
- Send you photos of the child
- Allow you to visit
- Provide you with updates on the child
- Encourage the child to reach you throughout their life
Many adoption agencies nowadays don’t typically encourage closed adoptions as it can be difficult for the birth parents as well as the child. However, some prospective birth mothers do prefer a closed adoption, as they feel it provides them a greater sense of closure after the adoption. It will always be up to you to decide which type of relationship is best in your personal circumstances.
Agency Adoption vs. Independent Adoption
You have two kinds of adoption professionals you can work with if you’ve chosen adoption as an alternative to abortion: Adoption agencies or independent adoption professionals.
Adoption agencies are licensed, regulated organizations that facilitate the adoption process and help you connect with a hopeful adoptive family to place your baby with. Adoption agencies conduct thorough home studies to ensure that your baby is being placed with a loving family who is ready to become parents or expand their family.
Independent adoption is a more direct approach to adoption. For independent adoption, you will work with an adoption attorney to make the proper arrangements, often when you have chosen a friend, family member or someone else you know to adopt your baby. While independent adoption can result in a successful placement, these professionals don’t offer the same array of services that adoption agencies do.
2. Legal Guardianship
Another overlooked alternative to abortion is legal guardianship. Similar to adoption, legal guardianship deals with placing your child in the care of someone else in the event of an unplanned pregnancy. A legal guardianship allows you to maintain some of your parental rights for your child, with the possibility to regain custody if your situation changes.
For most parents that choose this option, the legal guardian is someone close to them, such as a relative or close friend. While this is a significantly less permanent alternative to abortion, it is not without its challenges. Such challenges can consist of:
- You will have to see someone else raise your child
- You may have to pay child support
- It may be jarring for the child and the guardian when you resume custody of the child
Despite these challenges, legal guardianship can be a great way to ensure that your child receives the love and care they deserve, while allowing you to postpone becoming a parent before you are ready or wanting to do so.
3. Parenting
Even if the pregnancy is unplanned, you might be open to the idea of parenting your baby.
If your circumstances allow for this option instead of abortion, and you feel like you are ready to raise a child, this could be the right choice for you. However, while parenting can be rewarding, it does come with plenty of challenges, both financial and emotional.
When it comes to choosing to raise your child when faced with an unplanned pregnancy, you typically have two options available to you: single parenting and co-parenting.
Single Parenting
As the name suggests, single parenting is when you alone parent your child. While this is a popular alternative to abortion, it isn’t an easy path to take. Despite the hardships that can come with this form of parenting, many single parents never regret their decision.
Even if you decide to be a single parent, that doesn’t mean you are exempt from any support whatsoever. Many single parents can rely on their friends, parents, siblings, and grandparents for support if they need it.
If you have a strong support system, being a single parent could be the right choice for you.
Co-Parenting
For some unplanned pregnancies, co-parenting can be a great solution. This is especially viable if you have a good relationship with your baby’s other parent even if you aren’t romantically involved.
It’s important to discuss this with the other parent before assuming they will want to be involved. If both of you aren’t fully committed to the idea of being parents, this can create problems for the both of you, as well as your child.
Closing Thoughts
If you feel you aren’t ready to become a parent but don’t want to abort, consider any of these 3 wonderful alternatives to abortion. Your unique set of circumstances and values will largely determine which option you feel is best for you. Make sure that you take the time to conduct your own research and reach out to professionals to learn more about choices other than abortion.