You Are Not Alone
Discovering an unplanned pregnancy can be a stressful experience. Everything may feel hopeless right now, but we are here to assure you with a few things right off the bat:
- There are options available to you.
- You are not alone.
- Adoption is always an option.
When it comes to unplanned and unwanted pregnancy in Iowa, you generally have three options to select from: parenting, abortion and adoption. Each option is equally valid and comes with its unique set of both pros and cons. We’ll go into greater detail about what each of these options entails below. It’s why we created this comprehensive guide that explores all your unplanned pregnancy options.
We understand if you have some more questions as you’re reading along. This can be quite a bit of information to take in at once. If you contact us online, we’ll connect you with an adoption agency that can provide all the answers you need.
Parenting for My Unplanned Pregnancy in Iowa
Though you weren’t planning on becoming pregnant, you may decide that you are ready for parenthood. Remember that this decision is yours, and yours alone. No one should try to sway your choice one way or another, and, if you feel that you’re ready to become a parent, then you can pursue it for your unplanned pregnancy in Iowa.
But, you may not feel ready to become a parent. If that is the case, then there are some questions you can ask yourself to help narrow down your options for unwanted pregnancy in the Hawkeye State.
Here are some things that you can consider if you’re on the fence:
- Can you financially provide for a child right now? There’s no doubt that parenting is expensive. You’ll need to ensure that you can offer financial stability for your child so that you can give them the life you want them to have. There is nothing wrong with waiting to parent until you feel financially ready.
- Will the baby’s father be present in your child’s life? Although you can always be a single parent, it can be helpful to have a support system and unplanned pregnancy help. Even aside from the father, consider the support system and the close friends and family you have around you. Will they be able to help if you need them?
- Do you have any life goals that you would need to put on hold? For instance, you may want to finish your high school or college education. Or, you could want to move up the professional ladder and advance in your career. Whatever the case may be, consider any aspirations you’ll have to give a rain check before you commit to parenthood. When it comes to options for unplanned pregnancy, parenting can be time-consuming.
Whatever you choose, there is no reason to feel ashamed of your decision. Parenthood can be a beautiful journey, but it is not for everyone. Only you can decide what is best for you.
Adoption for My Unplanned Pregnancy in Iowa
When you choose adoption, it is never “goodbye.” Instead, it is simply “see you later.” This is because of open adoption, a type of adoption that has become a staple throughout the past few decades. Children grow up knowing their story, their birth parents and why they were placed for adoption.
You can also build a lifelong bond with both your child and their adoptive family. And, with the right adoption agency, you can find the perfect adoptive parents for your baby. This can be one of the most reassuring parts of the adoption process. As you browse adoptive family profiles online, you can imagine your child growing up with them. You can always choose adoption and give your child a caring, loving home.
But, we recognize that adoption is not easy or simple. You may experience some complex emotions of adoption, in should always reach out to an adoption professional, or an unplanned pregnancy helpline, to process any complicated feelings. Adoption is an emotional journey, but it is also rewarding. To help you get started, here are some national adoption agencies that can provide you with an adoptive family in Iowa or any other state:
- American Adoptions
- Alliance for Children
- Bethany Christian Services
- Gladney Center for Adoption
- Lifetime Adoption
Abortion for My Unplanned Pregnancy in Iowa
Although this site focuses on adoption, we respect every woman’s right to choose. If you feel that abortion is the right choice for you, then that is a valid decision. Make sure to speak with your doctor beforehand so that they can address any potential health concerns. You’ll also want to familiarize yourself with abortion laws in Iowa.
Abortion can be inaccessible depending on how far along you are in your unplanned pregnancy. There are quite a few restrictions in place throughout the country and in Iowa. Be sure to consider this component, too, before pursuing an abortion. The Guttmacher Institute is a great resource for you to educate yourself, and we’ve outlined some of those restrictions below:
- If you are a minor, then you need to inform your parents of your choice.
- You will need to undergo an ultrasound before receiving an abortion, and you must be offered to view the image.
- Public funding is available for abortion only in cases of life endangerment, rape or incest.
- Abortion after 20 or more weeks post-fertilization (22 weeks after your last menstrual period) can be performed only in cases of life endangerment or severely compromised health.
Abortion could be the right choice for you, but we also understand if it is not. You need to choose the path that is best for you and your situation no matter what others may tell you. Be sure to mull over all your options for pregnancy in Iowa so you can make the best decision.
We understand if this is a lot of information to soak in at once. Determining what to do with unplanned pregnancy can be a difficult process, so be sure to take as much time as you need to reach a conclusion. If you’d like to talk with an adoption agency, you can contact us online at any time.