Where Can a Pregnant Teenager Go for Help?

You’ve always thought that getting pregnant as a teenager would be the last thing that would ever happen to you — at least, that’s what you’ve always told yourself. But now that you’re the one holding the positive pregnancy test, it doesn’t feel so impossible anymore.

Situations like these are all too real, and they happen to young women just like you every day. As of 2013, rates of teenage pregnancies have declined across all racial and ethnic groups.  But, being a pregnant teenager is more common than you might believe, and there is plenty of help available. Whether that’s through your family, friends, or even your schools guidance counselor, there are many resources offering advice for a teen to keep or “give a baby up” for adoption. If you’re considering adoption for your baby, here is where to get help for teenage pregnancy — and what you should look for in teen adoption agencies.

What are Teenage Adoption Agencies?

When someone refers to a teenage adoption center, they’re typically thinking of an adoption agency that works with teenage prospective birth mothers who are interested in creating an adoption plan. They can be local or national domestic adoption agencies, and they offer a variety of help for pregnant teenagers who are interested in learning more about their unplanned pregnancy options.

The best place to start finding help for pregnant teenagers is through an adoption agency. Their services typically include financial assistance, legal representation, medical care and more. Their trained counselors can provide free advice for pregnant teenagers and help you find resources to get started with whatever unplanned pregnancy option you choose.

What Should I Look for in Adoption Agencies for Teens?

As with any private adoption agency, you’ll want to find one that always puts the needs of you and your baby first. Even though you may be underage, you will always have complete control over your body and your decisions as the prospective birth mother.  No one, not even your parents or the birth father, can or should make this difficult choice for you.

Your adoption center for teens should be able to provide plenty of adoption‐related resources for your pregnancy. One of the most helpful things for young women in your situation is unplanned pregnancy counseling. You’re likely dealing with plenty of stress already from school, your part‐time job, and your boyfriend. And most of all, you’re at a critical period where you’re trying to figure what it is that you dream of doing with your life.

An unplanned pregnancy counselor can help. Your trained adoption specialist will be able to go over all of your unplanned pregnancy options and help you decide which one is right for you. The adoption professional that you would with should not pressure you into any of your unplanned pregnancy options, and should take the time to explain the pros and cons of abortion, parenting, and adoption. Counseling for pregnant teenagers is not designed to pressure you into any one decision; instead, it’s meant to help you decide for yourself what’s best for you and your baby.

Many teenage adoption agencies also offer an adoption hotline for teens and other prospective birth mothers that you will always have at your disposal. This hotline is completely anonymous, available 24/7, and you will never be under any obligation to make an adoption plan that you’re not ready for.  If you are not quite ready to reach out to an adoption hotline, your school guidance counselor can also help provide you with a list additional resources for pregnant teenagers.

Telling Your Loved Ones About Your Teenage Adoption Plans

You may feel terrified and overwhelmed at the idea of telling your loved ones about your unplanned pregnancy and adoption plans.  After all, this is something that you’ve probably been warned about your whole life, and it’s hard to imagine that it’s come true.

In some cases, telling your family about your pregnancy might not be the best option, especially if you are in an unstable living situation. But if you can, it’s always a good idea to build a strong support network of people who you can trust. You are going to experiencing a lot of stress during your pregnancy, both physically and emotionally. The best thing that you can do right now for your baby is to be surrounded by positive influences who will support you through your unexpected pregnancy.

If your parents or your guardian would like to know more about the adoption process, your adoption specialist would be happy to send them additional information and follow up if they have any questions. Your adoption specialist can also help you to prepare for your conversation with your parents and other family members.

Where Can a Pregnant Teenager Go for Help?

There are many teenage adoption agencies that would be happy to help you start an adoption plan. Here are some notable ones that are ready at any time to work with and provide resources for pregnant teens who are “giving baby up” for adoption:

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