Navigating an unplanned pregnancy in Delaware can be overwhelming, causing you to not know where to go or what to do. An unplanned and unwanted pregnancy is a big life disruption, so when you find yourself in this situation as a prospective birth mother, you just want to know what options you have to get through this.

The state of Delaware provides women with options for unplanned pregnancy, and it’s important to research your options before making your decision. Many women have found themselves in your situation, so remember you’re not alone in this.

To speak with an adoption professional who can help you understand your alternative pregnancy options in Delaware, you can contact us online today. This guide will provide you with resources for your unplanned pregnancy to help you get to a better place.

Your Options for Unplanned Pregnancy in Delaware

If you live in Delaware and are facing an unplanned pregnancy, you have three options available to you:

• Parenting
• Adoption
• Abortion

As this is your choice to make, there is no wrong answer on which of these options you choose for your unplanned pregnancy. The only answer is whichever one of those options will create the best future for you. It’s natural to feel like you don’t know what to do when you have an unplanned pregnancy. This guide is here to help you with your decision.

Below are detailed outlines with everything you need to know about your three early pregnancy options in Delaware.

Option 1: Parenting in Delaware

If you’re an expectant mother in Delaware facing an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy, you may be asking yourself, “Am I ready to become a parent to my child?”

The truth is — no one can answer that question for you. Only you know whether you’re ready to become a parent.

If you’re considering parenting your child in Delaware, you have resources to help you with this option. Many mothers who experience an unplanned pregnancy in Delaware decide to parent their child, which can be a great option for you, too.

With any decision you make in your life, though, there are some important aspects to consider with parenting:

• If you have any personal goals or plans
• What your financial situation is like
• If you have a support system to help you
• Being honest and open with your feelings

Being honest about whether you’re situated to become a parent is the most important thing to consider. Are you mentally, emotionally, and physically ready to become a parent? Again, only you can answer that question.

Though parenting can be rewarding, it’s not easy. If you don’t have the resources and mentality to be a parent at this time in your life and choose this option for your unplanned pregnancy, you’re not helping yourself or your baby.

If you choose parenting with your unplanned pregnancy, know that you can be a good parent, especially with the right support and resources. You can look for organizations in your community that can offer medical, food, and financial assistance, like:

• WIC
• Local Social Services
• Postpartum Support International

Option 2: Adoption in Delaware

Many women in Delaware who are looking for unplanned pregnancy help have found adoption to be a rewarding option for them. Depending on your situation, adoption in Delaware may be the best option for you.

When you choose adoption for your unplanned pregnancy in Delaware, you have complete control over the entire process, including choosing the adoptive family that will raise your baby. It doesn’t cost a birth mother anything to place her child for adoption. Depending on whether you work with an adoption agency for your adoption in Delaware, financial resources may also be available for you.

If you choose adoption from your options for unwanted pregnancy, you can work with an adoption professional to create an adoption plan. This involves making decisions on:

• What type of adoption relationship you want to have with the adoptive family and your child
• What hospital you will deliver at
• Whether you want pre-placement meetings and communication with the adoptive family you choose
• And more

There is a lot to consider long-term when you choose adoption for your unplanned pregnancy in Delaware. Even when you are certain adoption is best for you, you may find that you need time to heal after the placement. Maintaining an open adoption with your child and the adoptive family can be a helpful way for you to heal, as you’re choosing to continue being a part of your child’s life and watch them grow.

Regardless of what kind of adoption relationship you choose to have, know that healing is possible through adoption. You are not alone in your decision to place your baby for adoption in Delaware, and your first step can be finding help through different unplanned pregnancy resources.

Option 3: Abortion in Delaware

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy in Delaware and feel abortion is the best option for you, there are many things to know before you proceed with this decision.

The first thing you should do if you are considering abortion as one of your early pregnancy options is to contact your doctor immediately. They will need to discuss any potential health concerns you could face and determine how far along you are in your pregnancy.

Six facilities provide abortions in Delaware, so although it is an option in the state, women who choose this option are limited. There are also some restrictions in place that you will need to know:

• Parents of minors aged 16 or younger must be notified, as they have to provide consent to the abortion beforehand.
• Abortions are only performed if the patient’s life or health is endangered, or there is a lethal situation with the fetus.
• Abortions can be publically funded if the pregnancy is from rape or incest or endangers the women’s life.

The physical, emotional, and mental tolls from abortion are also important factors to consider before making your unplanned pregnancy decision. Healing is also possible from having an abortion, especially with the right abortion support and resources for unplanned pregnancies in Delaware.

Find the Support You Need Today

When you’re thinking, “What should I do for my unplanned pregnancy in Delaware?” always remember there are resources available out there for you. Many adoption agencies will have a 24/7 unplanned pregnancy support line for you to call and speak with a professional.

Remember that, no matter what you decide for your unplanned pregnancy in Delaware, you don’t have to go through any of the early pregnancy options alone. If you’d like to be connected with an adoption specialist, you can contact us today.