Is Abortion My Only Option?
An unplanned pregnancy can bring on a rush of emotions—confusion, fear, and pressure to decide quickly. If you’re thinking, “I don’t want to be pregnant,” you’re likely wondering what your options are.
We’re here to tell you: Abortion is not your only option. At Ivy Women’s Center, we offer no-cost, confidential consultations to help you explore every path available, so you can make a fully informed decision—without pressure.
Understanding Your Options for an Unplanned Pregnancy
From Parenting to Adoption, Kinship Care, and Temporary Placement
While abortion is the only option that ends a pregnancy, there are other options that allow you to carry to term, depending on what feels right for your situation.
Here are a few to consider:
1. Adoption
When you choose adoption, you are in control. You get to choose the adoptive family, and you pick the life plan that is best for you and your child.
- Open adoption: Stay in contact with your child and the adoptive family.
- Semi-open adoption: Communication through an agency or third party.
- Closed adoption: No contact or exchange of identifying information.
The adoptive family usually covers adoption agency fees, legal fees, and medical expenses. Adoption can be an emotional journey, often involving grief and complex feelings—but you don’t have to face it alone. Support is available, and many women find adoption to be a meaningful, selfless choice that benefits both the child and the adoptive family. It’s a significant decision, but one you can take your time with and even reconsider until it’s legally finalized.
2. Kinship Care
If you’re not ready to parent but want to keep your child within your family, kinship care allows a trusted relative (or close family friend) to care for your child temporarily or long-term. This option keeps family ties intact and gives you more time to plan your next step.
3. Temporary Placement
Not quite ready to parent, but not ready to place your child permanently? Temporary placement gives you time. It’s a flexible solution where you retain legal custody but allow someone else to care for your child until you’re ready.
4. Parenting
If you want to parent but feel unsure how you’ll manage, you’re not alone. Many resources exist to help with:
- Financial support
- Parenting classes
- Housing and childcare assistance
- Mentorship and emotional support
We can help you access the resources and support network you need to confidently choose parenting.
What About Abortion?
You deserve to understand all types of abortion—including medical abortion (abortion pill) and surgical abortion. Both come with medical, emotional, and legal considerations. At Ivy, we offer factual, medically accurate information so you can explore every angle of your decision.
You’re Not Alone
Making a pregnancy decision is one of the most personal choices you’ll ever face. You deserve to make that decision fully informed—and fully supported. We’ll talk through your options in a private, compassionate setting.