Adoption vs. Abortion [The Complete Guide]

Your 3 Unplanned Pregnancy Options

For those who don’t feel they are ready to become a parent, there are two unplanned pregnancy options: adoption or abortion. Here's what you need to know to decide which is best for you.

Which is the Right Choice for You [And What You Should Know]

You have found yourself in what feels like an impossible situation because you’re faced with an unplanned pregnancy. So, what do you do now?

For those who don’t feel they are ready to become a parent, there are two options: adoption or abortion.

Both are valid options, each with their own merits and challenges. Whichever option you choose will be dependent upon your own unique circumstances and values. While you shouldn’t have to go through this difficult time on your own, it’s important that you don’t feel pressured into making a choice you don’t want to make.

This article isn’t meant to pull you one way or another, but to provide you with information about both of your options so that you can make an informed decision on what’s best for you.

Choosing Abortion or Adoption

According to a study done by Planned Parenthood, for every 1 adoption there were 149 abortions from 2016 to 2017. Many women choose abortion as the more immediate unplanned pregnancy option. While an abortion does allow those faced with an unplanned pregnancy to avoid experiencing a full-term pregnancy and childbirth, some might make their decision without ever knowing about the benefits of choosing adoption over abortion.

What to Know About Adoption and Abortion

Cost of Adoption or Abortion

Adoption: Adoption comes at no cost to the prospective birth parent, and the adoptive family will often cover medical and living expenses such as rent, utilities, food, etc.

Abortion: Depending on how far into your pregnancy you are, an abortion can range from $500-$2,000. While your health insurance may cover some of the costs, legal restrictions may have an effect on your coverage.

Effects of Adoption or Abortion

Adoption: If you choose adoption over abortion, you will carry your baby to term. During your pregnancy, you will need to alter your lifestyle to accommodate the health needs of your unborn baby. You will also likely experience the side effects that commonly accompany a pregnancy, such as morning sickness, fatigue, increased urination, etc.

After the baby is born, you will need to take time off to rest and recover. Once you have recovered, you will be able to continue on the path you had planned for yourself.

Abortion: If you choose to have an abortion over an adoption, it will be performed by a licensed medical professional. Aside from some pain, an abortion is a relatively simple, low-risk procedure. While abortions are typically an outpatient procedure, you may need to take time away from obligations during and after the abortion to rest.

While there are no long-term physical side effects commonly associated with abortions, you may receive judgement or harsh remarks from those that are not supportive of your decision. Bearing this in mind, this is your choice to make, and your choice is valid regardless of the reactions of others.

Emotional Impact of Adoption or Abortion

Adoption: Adoption is a brave and selfless decision, but it is not without its emotional challenges. It is perfectly normal for birth parents that place their baby for adoption to experience feelings of grief and loss, even if you know you made the right choice for you and your baby.

You never have to endure this difficult time alone. An adoption counselor can help you cope with these difficult emotions throughout your pregnancy, as well as post-placement.

Abortion: Choosing abortion over adoption can be an immediate option that can help lessen the stress you may be experience, but you may experience difficult emotions once the procedure is completed. Just as with adoption, feelings of grief and loss are common following an abortion. While these emotions are valid, at least 95% of women report that they do not regret their decision.

Why Choose Adoption Over Abortion?

Adoption and abortion are both difficult, but valid choices. Some think abortion is the easier and more immediate option when dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. Because of this, they don’t take the time to learn more about the possibilities of adoption.

The stigma that was formerly associated with adoption has faded over the years. For many, adoption is something to be celebrated. When you work with an adoption agency, you will have control over the adoption process and will get to choose the adoptive family that will raise your baby, as well as what type of adoption you would like.

As a prospective birth parent, your adoption services are completely free. An adoption specialist will work with you to answer any questions you have and make sure all the proper steps are completed. If you choose an open adoption, you will be able to come up with some form of contact arrangement between you and the adoptive family so that you can know your baby is happy and healthy.

While you may see phrases like “giving up your baby” when researching adoption, it’s important to remember that you are not giving up. Choosing adoption couldn’t be further from giving up. You are choosing to give your baby the best life possible, and giving hopeful adoptive parents the chance to have the family they always dreamed of.

Why Choose Abortion Over Adoption?

Many faced with an unexpected pregnancy choose abortion over adoption because it is a relatively quick and easy option that allows them to avoid carrying the pregnancy to term, as well as childbirth. Since it is an outpatient procedure, those who undergo an abortion are often able to get back to their everyday life relatively soon following an abortion.

Some people also choose abortion because they find comfort in the confidentiality of the procedure. While abortions are discrete, adoptions are also always confidential.

Any information you give to an adoption agency will never be disclosed without your permission. An adoption specialist will work with you to determine what information you want to remain confidential throughout and after the adoption process.

Making the Decision

Adoption and abortion are both reasonable options to consider when you are faced with an unplanned pregnancy. Determining which is more realistic for you will be a difficult, but important decision to make. There are plenty of resources available for you to access to help you make the decision that’s best for you. If you want to learn more about your options, reach out to an adoption professional today to get free information.

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