Are you facing an unplanned pregnancy in Minnesota? If the answer is yes, you’re probably overwhelmed. We are here to help.

The lack of certainty stemming from an unplanned, unintended pregnancy can lead you to ask complicated questions like:

• What are my unplanned pregnancy options in Minnesota?
• How do I access unplanned pregnancy resources in Minnesota?
• What is unplanned pregnancy counselling in Minnesota?
• How do I move forward after an unplanned pregnancy in Minnesota?
• And many more

Throughout this helpful guide, you’ll discover your three options when facing an unplanned pregnancy. You’ll learn about the available resources for unplanned pregnancy in Minnesota. Every unplanned pregnancy situation is unique. That means you should research your options, use the available resources, and select the best path forward for you.

When facing an unplanned pregnancy, it’s also important to remember you’re not alone. You also have several options for dealing with unplanned pregnancy, and adoption professionals are ready to offer unplanned pregnancy help as you consider this important decision. Read more to learn about facing an unplanned, unintended pregnancy.

What Are Your Unplanned Pregnancy Options in Minnesota? [How You Can Move Forward]

If you’re unexpectedly pregnant but don’t want to be, don’t panic. While the prospect can be overwhelming initially, you can gain perspective by researching your unplanned pregnancy options in Minnesota soon. Ask yourself, “What are my options if I’m pregnant and don’t want to be?” Your three options when facing an unplanned or undesired pregnancy are parenting, adoption and abortion.

You’re the only person who knows what’s best for you and your baby. Your situation is unlike anyone else’s. You have the right to determine what will bring you peace and happiness in the future. Unplanned pregnancy counseling in Minnesota can help you make the right choice, but you’ll remain in control of your decision.

Let’s learn more about your three unplanned pregnancy options, and their pros and cons.

Option 1: Choosing to Parent in Minnesota

Some women who find themselves dealing with an unplanned pregnancy in Minnesota decide that parenting their child is the right way to go. If you already have a family or feel ready to start one, unplanned pregnancy may just mean another seat at the dinner table.

However, that’s not always the case for expectant mothers who didn’t plan on becoming pregnant. For some women, it’s more complicated. Every scenario is different, and parenting isn’t always the right choice for women facing unplanned pregnancy in Minnesota. It’s wise to be diligent and fully consider the impact of your decision.

When you accept the responsibility of parenting, you’re really accepting responsibility for the care of another person. That’s a commitment that should not be taken lightly. Parenting comes with its own set of challenges, and those challenges are magnified when you weren’t planning to become a parent.

Even when a pregnancy is planned, the parents aren’t always ready for the responsibility that involves. Facing an unplanned pregnancy in Minnesota can complicate that situation.

If parenting seems right for you, don’t let hesitancy disrupt your plan. It’s not uncommon for parents to be nervous when parenting their first child. Don’t let that hold you back. If you to think parenting is the best way to deal with your unplanned pregnancy, explore your feelings and determine if you’re up to the challenge.

You should consider these factors 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 describe your situation, parenting may be the right choice if you’re facing an unplanned, unintended pregnancy in Minnesota. But if you’re still not sure, you may want to consider some other options before deciding. 

Deciding to parent your child is a personal choice, and every pregnancy is different. If you choose to parent when facing an unplanned pregnancy in Minnesota, there are some resources that can offer valuable support.

• Minnesota Department of Human Services
• WIC
• Department of Health and Human Services Local Parenting Resources
• Postpartum Support International
• Singlemom.com

Option 2: Choosing Adoption in Minnesota

Mothers facing unplanned pregnancy can find a path to a better future through adoption in Minnesota.

• You may not be able to afford another mouth around the family table.
• Maybe you don’t want your career to be disrupted as you raise a child.
• Or, maybe you’re simply not ready to be a parent.

In any case, adoption may give you a way to move forward.

Adoption means placing your child in an adoptive home soon after birth. If you’re dealing with an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy in Minnesota, an adoption agency can help you find a hopeful adoptive family to raise your child. You remain in charge of your choice, and your adoption plan will ensure your wishes are respected.

If you think adoption sounds like the right unplanned pregnancy option for you, here’s what you should know:

“Giving Up Your Baby” Isn’t Really “Giving Up”

“Giving your child up” for adoption isn’t about giving up. It’s really a selfless and loving act. By making a sacrifice on behalf of your baby, you’re choosing to give your child a bright future.

There’s a long list of reasons that women choose adoption from among the options for dealing with unplanned pregnancies in Minnesota. Adoption gives birth mothers comfort because they know their children will be raised in a loving home.

You Choose the Adoptive Family

You have a right to choose the perfect prospective adoptive parents for your child.  Through this choice, you’ll play a significant role in your child’s life. When putting your child up for adoption, you’ll take comfort in knowing your child will be loved when dealing with your unplanned pregnancy in Minnesota.

You can also draw peace from the knowledge that all adoptive families are pre-screened. That ensures the hopeful parents can meet the financial, emotional, and social needs of the child. Also, every family must undergo an adoption home study conducted by a licensed adoption agency.

Open Adoption Preserves Your Bond

If you choose open or semi-open adoption, you’ll have an opportunity to maintain your bond with your child even after they’re living in their adoptive home. In open adoptions, birth mothers remain in contact with adoptive parents and the adoptee after placement. Open adoption has a lot of positive aspects for many mothers facing unplanned pregnancy in Minnesota.

You May Qualify for Adoption Financial Assistance

The cost of carrying and delivering a child can be significant. However, choosing adoption can help offset that cost. You can receive adoption financial assistance if you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy in Minnesota. This assistance can help in covering some of your living expenses and medical costs.

Speak with your adoption professional about your unique situation to determine if adoption financial assistance is an option.

You’re the only person who knows whether adoption is right for you when facing an unplanned pregnancy in Minnesota. Here are some things to think about:

• 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 most viable of the three options for unplanned pregnancy. Adoption comes with challenges, but for many birth mothers, it’s the right path to choose.

The good news is that there are many resources to help you if you’re thinking about adoption. Below are a few agencies that help women facing unplanned pregnancy in Minnesota who are considering adoption:

• American Adoptions
• Adoption Minnesota
• EVOLVE Family Services
• Children’s Home Society of Minnesota
• New Life Adoptions
• New Horizons Adoption Agency

Option 3: Choosing Abortion in Minnesota

For some women dealing with unplanned pregnancy in Minnesota, parenting or adoption simply aren’t options. There are a lot of factors can shape your choice. Maybe you may have concerns about professional complications, emotional consequences, financial obstacles, or medical issues. Under those circumstances, it’s good to know you have another option when facing an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy in Minnesota.

That other option is abortion. Abortion is a medical procedure that removes 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 Minnesota, though the number of abortions in the state and nationwide is declining.

Abortions fall into two categories: elective and therapeutic. Elective abortions are performed with the sole purpose of ending an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy in Minnesota. There are also cases in which a pregnant woman may not be able to safely carry a child and deliver due to health risks. Those pregnancies may be ended through therapeutic abortion.

A woman has the right to choose abortion, and that choice is protected by federal law. However, ending an unplanned or undesired pregnancy with abortion may be complicated by restrictive laws and regulations in some states.

For example, in Minnesota, women seeking an abortion must receive counseling designed to discourage abortion, then wait 24 hours before having the procedure. Also, in abortions involving a minor, the parents must be notified of the abortion. Finally, 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 Minnesota there are only 11 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 Minnesota:

• 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. 

There are significant emotional consequences associated with all of the options for dealing with unplanned pregnancy in Minnesota. Abortion is no different. Only you know if you can accept the outcome of your decision. There is no right or wrong choice when facing an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy, but always consider your options from multiple perspectives before choosing.

Next Steps for your Unplanned Pregnancy

There’s no question that an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy in Minnesota can be disruptive and overwhelming. Though dealing with a surprise pregnancy may be hard, you should know you’re not alone. Many women have found themselves in a similar position.

Remember, there’s no reason to panic. Find your center and ask yourself, “What are my options for unwanted pregnancy in Minnesota?” You have a right to choose your path forward. You’re in control of the situation even if your unplanned pregnancy is initially upsetting.

Every unplanned pregnancy journey is different. Your circumstances are unique, and your decision is your own. Only you know what’s right for you and your child. Think about the positives and negatives associated with each option and be sure to speak with a professional for guidance and counseling on the impacts of each choice.