Option: Adoption
An unplanned pregnancy can be an overwhelming thing to deal with. If you do not know what you want to do about the pregnancy, it is a good idea to see a counselor and discuss your options. You can terminate the pregnancy through abortion or decide to continue the pregnancy. If you decide to remain pregnant, you have the choice of keeping the baby and raising it yourself, or putting the child up for adoption. It is important to make a list of all of your options and be honest with yourself. What are your goals for the future? Are you financially able to support another person? Can you handle the responsibility of caring for a baby 24 hours a day? These questions need to be answered before you can decide which choice is right for you. You need to realize that you are not the only person affected by this decision, so take great care in deciding what is best for you. If you choose to have the baby and put it up for adoption, then you need to consider the different types.
Closed, or confidential, adoption means that there is no contact between the birthmother and the adoptive parents or the child. Information is exchanged but no direct correspondence between the parties is allowed.
Open adoptions include open communication between the birthmother and the adoptive parents, before and after birth. This can include a variety of types and amounts of interactions that are decided upon by the adoptive parents and the birthmother. This type of adoption does not mean that you are co-parenting the child. A special role will need to be arranged between you and the adoptive parents.
Semi-open adoptions are conducted by social service agencies. These types can include the birthmother and adoptive parents meeting one time prior to the adoption. There may be rules as to the amount of communication after the birth.
Adoption has come a long way in the past several decades, and it is important to understand the different types and the procedures. It is now even possible for birthmothers to select the adoptive parents. The most important thing for you to do is to talk to a counselor that can help you to understand your options. From there, it is your decision. It is a large one and you should not feel pressured to make the decision right away. Take a week or so to consider your options and listen to your heart. There is no right or wrong decision, it only matters what feels right to you.