You’ve learned that you’re pregnant. For some, this may be a happy discovery. But for others, it may be quite the opposite. For women who are not ready to begin families, do not have the support of a partner, or simply do not want children, an unplanned pregnancy may be an earth-shattering realization. With simple research, you’ll find two options ahead of you: adoption vs abortion. When making the decision that’s best for you, it is important to have all the facts. Let St. Elizabeth Foundation help you understand both options and discover solutions during a time of confusion.
What Comes After Abortion?
When faced with an unplanned pregnancy, abortion may seem like a fast solution. In 2021, there were 7,444 abortions in Louisiana alone. This expensive procedure ranges anywhere from $400 during the first trimester to several thousand later on. But what happens after going through with the procedure? For many who choose abortion to end an unintended pregnancy, they may be faced with a need for physical and emotional recovery. If you are wondering whether adoption vs abortion is right for you and are considering terminating your pregnancy, make sure to plan for what could come after your procedure.
Emotional Processing
Before making your decision, consider the effect of having an abortion on your psychological health. One of the longest-lasting consequences of termination is your emotional response to the procedure. Not all patients feel relief after recovery. Others may go through waves of guilt, emptiness, or remorse. Seeking counseling before your decision can help you to better understand what options are available to you and prevent you from making a choice you may ultimately regret.
Possible Side Effects
While side effects are not common, a medical abortion may still carry the possibility of immediate or long-term physical risks. This is especially true the further you progress in your pregnancy. Cervical piercing or tearing, blood clots in the uterus, or hemorrhaging may occur. Some patients may experience a pelvic infection due to bacteria that enter the uterus during operation. And if any fetal tissue is left over in the uterus, this can also lead to infection, bleeding, or needing another medical procedure. If a patient suffers complications with their abortion, this may also lead to difficulties with childbearing in the future.
What is the Adoption Process at St. Elizabeth?
Adoption is an alternative to abortion. Choosing an open, semi-open, or closed adoption vs the permanent decision of abortion can not only help you avoid emotional and physical woes, but it can also give your child the opportunity to grow up in a loving, stable household. With the emotional and financial support of the St. Elizabeth Foundation, you can determine the right adoption plan for you and your baby. Here’s an overview of the adoption process in our Louisiana agency.
1. Reach Out to Us
First, send us a message or give us a call. If you’re feeling scared or overwhelmed by an unexpected pregnancy, know that you have kind, understanding counselors ready to listen on the other end of the phone. We’ll set up a time for us to meet in person that works for you. If you are wondering whether adoption vs abortion is right for you or if you aren’t sure what options are available to you, we make sure you have every possible resource to help with your decision. Together, we’ll step you through each option, and we’ll coach you through our adoption process.
2. Get the Support You Need
Every birth mother’s circumstances are different. You may have a supportive partner or family to walk through your adoption decisions with. Or, you may be facing the journey alone. At St. Elizabeth, we make sure that you are surrounded by love and care no matter what. We also offer counseling services before your adoption and after its completion to help you navigate every positive and negative emotion you experience.
3. Choose the Adoptive Family
The St. Elizabeth Foundation lets you, the birth mother, remain in control of each decision throughout the adoption process. We confidentially connect you with adopting families to determine which family is right for your baby. Each of our adoptive parents consists of a married couple of at least five years. These parents have undergone necessary education and home studies to ensure that your baby will be well cared for in a safe environment. Browse our family profile books to find the right match, and then we can move forward with the birth plan and finalization.
4. Finalize Your Birth Plan
We want you to choose the labor and delivery plan that will be the most comfortable for you. Our team is there to support you leading up to the birth, during delivery, and afterward. Depending on the type of adoption you choose, we will then help you finalize the adoption process and make sure that your baby is placed safely with the adoptive family you have chosen. And your care doesn’t stop there. We continue with post-placement counseling to help you navigate any feelings that come after your adoption process is complete.
What Are the Benefits of Adoption?
We know that deciding what to do after an unplanned pregnancy is no easy task. And when choosing to place your child for adoption, there are many fears and anxieties that you may face. But when you choose to place your child for adoption, you can discover a wide range of benefits for both you and your baby. Since 1988, the St. Elizabeth Foundation has provided birth mothers with a caring, judgment-free environment to process the unknowns of unintended pregnancy. Let us empower you to be in control of your decisions and find the right options for you and your child.
Adoption Can Remain Confidential
While abortion may seem like your only option for remaining confidential after an unplanned pregnancy, this isn’t true! Adoption through St. Elizabeth’s can be carried out confidentially. Your family, friends, and other relationships will not be contacted during your adoption journey. And depending on the adoption plan you choose, you can even remain anonymous when it comes to your baby and adopting parents. Our staff takes your concerns into account and handles your adoption with the greatest sensitivity.
Your Relationship With the Adoptive Family and Baby Can Be Open or Closed
When it comes to an adoption plan, three options are typically available: open, semi-open, and closed. This determines how much contact a birth mother keeps with her baby and their adopted family following the adoption’s finalization. Choosing an open adoption can mean keeping regular contact with the child and their adoptive parents. Semi-open adoptions also allow birth mothers to stay in touch but with more limited parameters. But, if you would prefer to have no relations with the baby or the adoptive family, closed and confidential adoptions are also an option.
Adoption Provides Brighter Futures for All Involved
The news of unplanned pregnancy may feel like an “end”—but with adoption, you can discover a new beginning. By placing your baby for adoption with our Louisiana agency, you can create opportunities not only for yourself but for your baby and their adoptive family. Your child will be able to enter a loving, supportive home where they can grow up in a safe environment. Many of our adoptive families have also struggled with infertility, and your decision to adopt can help a family welcome the child they’ve longed for. And with adoption, you don’t have to put your goals aside. You can move forward after your adoption without sacrificing your future.
Adoption vs Abortion: Finding Support at St. Elizabeth Foundation
Deciding between adoption vs abortion is no easy task. From emotional and social woes to financial commitments, we understand that your decision carries a great deal of weight. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, you can find a loving support system in your time of confusion. If you would like to discuss your options or begin the adoption process, we would love for you to reach out to us. Give us a call at 225-769-8888, or send us a message. Adoption is available to you at any stage of your pregnancy, and so are we.