Pregnant and Considering Adoption?

Once your pregnancy is confirmed viable, you have several things to consider. Whatever you choose, all come with permanent life changes. No one choice is necessarily any “easier” than another. For such a big decision, you owe it to yourself to fully explore each option before making a final decision. We are here to help each step of the way.

Much like considering the road of parenting, thinking about placing a child for adoption can be overwhelming.

You might think, “I could never give my baby away.” But consider looking from a different perspective. You would not be giving your baby away. You would be giving your baby life, a stable family, and a future.1 Instead of taking something from your baby, you are offering him/her a gift.

At Options, we are here to walk with you as you consider each pregnancy option. Research indicates that whatever the choice --- parenting, adoption, or abortion --- if a woman truly explores each option and makes an educated decision, her peace about the outcome is greater.2

Options Clinic is not an adoption agency, but we are an excellent educational resource and can refer you to a licensed agency if you’d like to pursue the option of adoption.

Things to Consider

Here are some things to consider about adoption:

1.       Would you prefer an open adoption or a closed adoption? Open adoptions can be a beautiful path to consider, allowing both you and the adoptive parents to play an active role in the child’s life. You get to decide how much and what kind of contact you would prefer as the baby grows. Maybe you’d just like to exchange periodic photos and updates? Or maybe you’d like to see one another a couple time a year? Or maybe you’d like to send letters each year celebrating birthdays and milestones? There are many ways to facilitate an open adoption.

 

But if maintaining a connection is not an option you’d like to consider, a closed adoption is another possibility to explore.

 

2.       What matters most to you? You have the right to pick any set of adopting parents based on what is most important to you for your baby.3 Take your time in finding just the right family, and feel free to create a list of questions you may have for the adopting parents such as:

  • What led them to adoption?

  • Do they have other children?

  • What are their values/spiritual beliefs?

  • What are their favorite hobbies?

  • Do they value family traditions?

  • How do they support their family?

Your question list could look similar to this or nothing like this, but you do have the opportunity to find out what kind of family and home your baby would have through adoption.

3.       Concerned about finances? The costs of placing a child in an adoptive family do not fall to you, and you will likely qualify for financial assistance for medical, legal, and counseling fees.3 You may also be able to receive assistance for living expenses. Financial assistance is handled through a social worker or attorney.

Adoption in Montana

There are a number of licensed adoption agencies in Montana, and we are happy to steer you toward a good fit for you. Each agency is prepared to detail the legal processes involved in placing a child in an adoptive family.

By reaching out to discuss adoption at Options or with an adoption agency, you are not committing to that choice. You are just giving yourself the opportunity to fully explore each of your options.

If you are feeling uncertain, please call today to speak with one of our kind, compassionate staff members. You are not alone. We are here for you each step of the way. 

 

Sources:

1.       Lifetime Adoption. “You Might Think I Could Never Give My Baby Away.” https://www.google.com/search?q=%22you+may+be+thinking+i+could+never+give+my+baby+away%22&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1059US1059&oq=%22you+may+be+thinking+i+could+never+give+my+baby+away%22&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigAdIBCDk0NzdqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:f5e5abd6,vid:OeGkQi9AaL4,st:0

2.       Catholic Social Services. “Pregnant? Have Questions? We Can Help.” 2016.

3.       Angel Adoption Inc. “Adoption in Montana.” Angeladoptioninc.com. Angel Adoption Inc. 2023. 13 November 2023.

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