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Adoption in Maine
Your 3 Unplanned Pregnancy Options in Maine
Are you facing an unplanned pregnancy in Maine? There’s little doubt that you’re probably feeling a little overwhelmed. With an unplanned, unintended pregnancy, you might be asking tough questions like:
- What are my unplanned pregnancy options in Maine?
- How do I access unplanned pregnancy resources in Maine?
- What is unplanned pregnancy counselling in Maine?
- How do I move forward after an unplanned pregnancy in Maine?
First, take a deep breath. There’s no need to panic. The good news is that you have options, and you’re in control of your choice.
As you read this guide, you’ll find out more about your three options when facing an unplanned pregnancy. We’ll cover some of the helpful resources for unplanned pregnancy that are available to you in Maine. No two unplanned pregnancy scenarios are alike, so you’ll want to research your options, use the resources provided, and choose the one that best meets your circumstances.
You have difficult decisions in front of you when facing an unplanned pregnancy. But remember, you’re not alone. There are professionals are waiting to offer unplanned pregnancy help when you need it. Read more to learn about facing an unplanned, unintended pregnancy in Maine.
What Are Your Unplanned Pregnancy Options in Maine? [How You Can Move Forward]
You’ve found out that you’re unexpectedly pregnant and you don’t want to be. Initially, you may be overwhelmed by the news. That’s why it’s important that you research your unplanned pregnancy options in Maine immediately. If you’re wondering, “What are my options if I’m pregnant and don’t want to be?” you should know you have three options when facing an unplanned or undesired pregnancy: parenting, adoption and abortion.
You’re the only person who can decide the best option for you and your child. Your circumstances are unique. You get to decide what will bring you happiness and peace. Unplanned pregnancy counseling in Maine is a helpful tool in making your decision, but the choice is always yours to make.
Let’s discuss each of the three unplanned pregnancy options, and their pros and cons.
Option 1: Parenting in Maine
For some women dealing with unplanned pregnancy in Maine, the clear choice is to parent their child. For expectant mothers who have an existing family, unplanned pregnancy may mean one more face around the family table.
Choosing to parent isn’t an option for every expectant mother, however. For some, deciding what to do when facing an unplanned pregnancy in Maine is a lot more complicated. Again, every pregnancy is different. Parenting isn’t the best choice for every expectant mother dealing with unplanned pregnancy in Maine. Be sure to take your time and consider the impact of your choice fully.
What does it mean to parents? Parenting means you’re accepting responsibility for another person’s life. It’s a lifelong commitment that should never be taken lightly. Parenting becomes even more challenging when you weren’t planning to become a parent and aren’t fully prepared.
Even in the case of planned pregnancies, parents aren’t always ready for the full responsibility that’s involved in caring for the needs of another person. Facing an unplanned pregnancy in Maine only complicates that situation.
If, after giving it thought, you decide that parenting is the right choice for you, you can move forward boldly with your plan without hesitancy. A little nervousness when becoming a parent isn’t unusual, so don’t let that hold you back. If you think parenting is the right way to handle your unplanned pregnancy, explore your feelings and decide if you’re up to the challenge.
Here are a few things to consider when deciding if you should parent in an unexpected pregnancy.
- You have the desire to be a parent.
- You are ready to make parenting a child your highest priority.
- The time is right for adding another child (or a first child) to your family.
- You are prepared emotionally, professionally and financially for the responsibilities that come with parenthood.
- You feel prepared to navigate the emotions of parenting a child.
- You will be physically and medically able to carry your child and meet the physical demands of parenting.
- You have a strong support system of family and friends who can help you as you raise your child.
- You are excited about the prospect of being responsible for another human life, but you’re willing to accept the challenge.
If these statements hit home with you, parenting may be your best option if you’re facing an unplanned, unintended pregnancy in Maine. If you’re still not sure, give yourself the chance to at least consider the other options before deciding.
Choosing to parent your child is a profoundly personal decision, and every pregnancy scenario is unique. If you choose to parent when facing an unplanned pregnancy in Maine, there are some resources that can offer valuable support.
- Maine Department of Health and Human Services
- WIC
- Department of Health and Human Services Local Parenting Resources
- Postpartum Support International
- Singlemom.com
Option 2: Adoption in Maine
Adoption in Maine is another great option that gives expectant mothers facing unplanned pregnancy a way to provide a stable home for a child while preserving their own future.
There may be many reasons you aren’t ready to parent.
- Maybe you can’t afford to raise another child in your family.
- Or, maybe you’re worried about the professional impact of unplanned pregnancy and raising a child.
- Maybe you just don’t want to, or aren’t ready to, be a parent.
In any of those cases, adoption may provide a way forward.
Adoption involves placing your child with an adoptive family soon after birth. If you’re facing an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy in Maine, a licensed adoption agency can help you find a hopeful family that will cherish the opportunity to love and raise your child.
You’re in control of your choice at all times, and your adoption plan will ensure your wishes are respected. If you think adoption could be your best unplanned pregnancy option in Maine, here’s what you should know:
“Giving Up Your Baby” for Adoption Isn’t Really Giving Up
When you “give your child up” for adoption, you’re not really giving up at all. Putting your child up for adoption is a brave act. You’re making a sacrifice out of love to give your child their best future. Women choose adoption from among the options for dealing with unplanned pregnancies in Maine for many reasons. Adoption can give you the peace of knowing your child will grow up in a safe, loving home.
You Get to Choose the Adoptive Family
When you choose adoption, you choose the perfect prospective adoptive parents. Through this choice, you can shape the life your child will live. Putting your child up for adoption means you get the comfort of knowing your child will be safe and loved when dealing with your unplanned pregnancy in Maine.
You can also be comfortable knowing that adoptive families are pre-screened by adoption agencies to confirm they’re ready to meet the financial, emotional, and social needs of your child. In Maine, all prospective adoptive families must also complete a required home study that can only be performed by a licensed adoption agency.
Open Adoption Preserves Your Bond
By choosing open or semi-open adoption, you can continue to play a role in your child’s future after their adoption. Open and semi-open adoption allows birth mothers to stay in touch with adoptive parents and the adoptee after placement. Many mothers facing unplanned pregnancy in Main discover open adoption is a positive experience.
You May Qualify for Adoption Financial Assistance
If you’re considering adoption, you should also know that you can receive adoption financial assistance when facing an unplanned pregnancy in Maine. Carrying and delivering a baby can be expensive, but you may be able to get help in covering some birth mother expenses.
Only you know if adoption is right for you if you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy in Maine. Here are some points to consider:
- You want your child to have a life full of opportunity but know parenting isn’t possible right now.
- You have love for your unborn child, but there are factors that will prevent you from parenting.
- You need financial assistance to afford the costs of carrying your baby to term.
- You have no health-related issues that would make it dangerous for you to carry the child to term.
- You want to have a relationship with your child, but you just aren’t ready or able to parent.
- You want to select the perfect family for your unborn child.
- You like the idea of helping a couple expand their family through adoption.
If these considerations resonate with you, adoption may be the best of the three options for unplanned pregnancy. The adoption process certainly comes with its own challenges, but for many birth mothers, it’s the best choice.
Fortunately, there are many resources to help you if you’re thinking about adoption. Here are a few agencies that offer help to women facing unplanned pregnancy in Maine who are considering adoption:
- American Adoptions
- Adoption Partners of Maine
- Connections Adoption Services
- Acadia Adoption Center
- Good Samaritan Agency
- Adoption Solutions of Maine
Option 3: Abortion in Maine
If you’re experiencing an unplanned pregnancy in Maine, there’s no guarantee that parenting or adoption are viable options for you. If that’s the case, you may need to consider the other unplanned pregnancy option: abortion.
Many factors can impact your decision. You may have concerns about the professional complications of parenting, the emotional consequences of adoption, potential financial obstacles, or pending medical issues that could arise from your pregnancy. You should know you have another option when faced with an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy in Maine.
Abortion is a medical procedure intended to remove the pregnancy tissue and the products of conception from the uterus. It’s the second-most common option for women facing an unplanned pregnancy in Maine. That said, the number of abortions in Maine and across the country is declining.
Abortions fall into two categories: elective and therapeutic. Elective abortions are performed solely to end an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy in Maine. Some pregnant women may not be able to safely carry a child and deliver due to health risks. Those pregnancies may be ended through therapeutic abortion.
Federal law establishes a woman’s right to choose, but ending an unplanned or undesired pregnancy with abortion may be complicated by restrictive laws and regulations in some states. In Maine, that’s not the case, however. The state doesn’t impose any restrictions such as counseling or waiting periods on the practice of abortion. However, abortions taking place at or after the time of fetal viability are only allowed if the mother’s life or health is endangered.
If you choose abortion, you’ll need to locate a clinic or medical center in your area that performs abortions. In Maine there are 21 facilities that perform abortions, so make sure there’s an abortion provider near you.
Here are some of the things to think about when considering abortion following an unplanned pregnancy in Maine:
- You don’t want to, or aren’t able to, be a parent right now.
- You already have children and can’t take on the additional responsibility of another one.
- You want to one day be a parent but the timing isn’t right now.
- You cannot, or don’t want to, carry a baby to term.
- You risk your health by carrying a baby to term.
- You have professional or social goals that you’ve not yet accomplished and raising a child would hamper your ambition.
- You’re unsure of your partner’s commitment to parenting and don’t want to parent a child alone.
- You can’t accept the financial responsibility of raising a child.
Each option for dealing with unplanned pregnancy in Maine will have significant emotional consequences. The same is true of abortion. Only you can determine whether you can move forward with the outcome of your choice. There is no right or wrong option when facing an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy, but always consider your decision from multiple perspectives before choosing.
Next Steps for your Unplanned Pregnancy
Learning that you’ve become unexpectedly pregnant can be chaotic and overwhelming. If you feel this way, know you’re not alone. Many women have been in a similar position.
There’s no reason to panic, though. Center yourself, compose your thoughts, and ask, “What are my options for unwanted pregnancy in Maine?” You have the power to control your destiny by choosing your path forward. You remain in control of the situation even if your unplanned pregnancy is upsetting at first.
Every unplanned pregnancy journey is different. Your circumstances are unique to you, and only you can decide the right path for you and your child. Think about the positives and negatives associated with these options and speak with a professional for guidance and counseling on the impacts of each choice.
Ready to get started? Contact an adoption agency now to get free information.