Why Are Women Choosing Adoption vs Abortion?

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Facing an unexpected pregnancy can be overwhelming, and choosing what to do next is not an easy task. Many women consider their options of adoption vs abortion as they decide their next steps in Louisiana. It is important to understand both options and what they mean for you and your future. While abortion is illegal in Louisiana, meaning you’d need to travel out of state to access those services, adoption presents a legal, supportive, and empowering alternative within the state.

At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we provide support, counseling, and financial assistance to help you navigate this decision. Below are key reasons why many women choose adoption when considering their options.

What Is Adoption?

Adoption is when a birth mother voluntarily places her child with an adoptive family to provide them with a stable, loving home. 

At St. Elizabeth Foundation, the process supports birth mothers emotionally, financially, and legally — ensuring they feel confident and empowered about their decision.

Why Consider Adoption Over Traveling for Abortion?

1. It’s a Legal Choice Within Louisiana

Since abortion is not permitted in Louisiana, pursuing that option would require traveling out of state. This involves additional time, money, and planning. Adoption, however, provides a local, legal solution with support systems ready to help you every step of the way.

2. Financial Concerns 

An unexpected pregnancy often brings significant financial challenges. According to the USDA, raising a child costs over $233,000 for a middle-income family. This number can feel overwhelming, and the expense grows even larger for single parents. While having a child can be a fulfilling experience, it’s not always financially possible — especially for women already facing financial strain.

Abortion, while an option, also comes with its own set of costs. The procedure itself can range from a few hundred to over $1,000. 

Additionally, in states where abortion is restricted or outlawed, such as Louisiana, women may have to pay for travel, accommodation, and lost wages — expenses that can quickly add up on top of the procedure costs.

Adoption, however, is a path that eliminates these financial pressures. It is entirely free for birth mothers, and St. Elizabeth Foundation goes a step further by offering comprehensive financial support. This includes covering your medical bills, living expenses, and legal fees throughout pregnancy. We aim to ensure you can focus entirely on making the best decision for yourself and your child without the added stress of financial strain.

If you’re exploring options and concerned about the costs of an unplanned pregnancy, adoption through St. Elizabeth Foundation provides a practical and supportive solution. Our financial assistance and care make the process as stress-free as possible, allowing you to make choices with confidence and peace of mind.

3. Empowering Your Future Goals

What is your vision for your future? It is perfectly fine if parenthood is not one of the stepping stones in the goals you have set for yourself. But what happens if you experience an unplanned pregnancy along the way? 

This may lead you to choose between adoption and abortion. Just as you have planned for your long-term achievements, we encourage you to consider the success your baby could achieve as well. 

By placing your child for adoption, not only do you have the opportunity to continue pursuing your goals, but your baby can also grow and thrive with their adoptive family. Adoption gives you the power to pursue your professional and educational dreams. By choosing adoption, you can give your baby the opportunity to grow and achieve their goals, too.

4. A Loving Future for Your Child

The choice of adoption vs abortion can be a difficult decision. An expectant mother may not have the means to financially support a child. Or they may be unable to provide them with the stability they need. Choosing adoption may require sacrificing your desire to raise your child to give them better opportunities. 

At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we know how big this decision is, and we are here to support you as you pursue a loving future for your baby. Know that choosing adoption does not take away your place in your child’s future!

Our adoption agency specializes in open adoptions, which allow birth mothers to stay in contact with their baby and the adoptive family. We support you as you find the right home to place your baby and help build the bridge between you and your child. With this decision, your baby can experience both your love and that of their adoptive parents. If you would like to discuss open adoption, our experts can help you understand the details and begin the adoption process.

5. Support Every Step of the Way

Unlike traveling for abortion, where you may feel isolated or unsupported, adoption through St. Elizabeth offers a network of professionals who genuinely care. 

From free counseling to creating your adoption plan, we prioritize your well-being throughout the process. After placement, St. Elizabeth Foundation also provides post-adoption counseling to help you through the emotional aspects of this decision.

6. You Control the Adoption Process

With adoption, you’re in control of the process — you decide whether to pursue an open, semi-open, or closed adoption. You choose the family, the level of contact, and the future you want to build for yourself and your baby.

How Adoptions Work at St. Elizabeth Foundation

If you’re unsure how to get started, here’s a step-by-step look at how adoption works at St. Elizabeth Foundation:

  • Reach Out: Contact us by phone, text, or email to begin a conversation. 
  • Get Counseling: Meet with a counselor to explore your choices. We’re here to listen, not judge.
  • Choose a Family: Select the adoptive family that feels right for your baby.
  • Get Pregnancy Assistance: Receive financial aid to cover medical, legal, and living expenses during your pregnancy.
  • Build Your Plan: Work with our experienced team to plan the details of your open, semi-open, or closed adoption.

Adoption FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about adoption:

Still, Wondering if Adoption Is the Right Choice?

Knowing whether adoption or traveling for abortion aligns with your situation can be difficult. That’s why having someone experienced to talk to matters. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, our compassionate team is here to guide you through your options with care and understanding.

Call us today at 225-769-8888 or contact us online to learn more about adoption and the support we offer.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice.

3 Abortion Alternatives Birth Mothers Should Know About

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What do you do after the news of an unplanned pregnancy? You may worry that your options are limited. Luckily, you have many possibilities ahead of you aside from abortion. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we empower you to make the best decision for you and your baby, from raising your baby to placing them with loving guardians or adoptive parents. Let us explain three abortion alternatives to help you find the right option for you.

1. Parenting

Choosing to parent your baby is one of several positive abortion alternatives. Depending on your circumstances, you may be the sole caregiver of your baby or you may choose to co-parent with the baby’s father. While the initial news of an unplanned pregnancy can be overwhelming, you may be open to the idea of motherhood. With the support of friends, family, and counseling services, choosing the path of single parenthood can become less daunting. And if you choose to co-parent with the baby’s father, you can share the experience of raising your baby together.

Are you unsure if you are ready to take on parenthood? At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we offer free counseling services for expectant mothers in the midst of unplanned pregnancies. Speak with one of our trained counselors in a safe and loving environment to discuss parenthood and other placement options.

2. Legal Guardianship

If you are not ready to parent your baby but would like to remain in contact with them, you may be able to place your baby into legal guardianship. This role is typically fulfilled by a close friend or family member who agrees to take on legal custody. This guardian raises your child until you are able to regain custody. While they are in the care of this guardian, you have the opportunity to visit and discuss major decisions for your child, like schooling and healthcare.

Many circumstances may keep you from being able to parent your baby after learning of an unplanned pregnancy. Financial issues, health concerns, legal matters, and more may need to be resolved before you can accept full custody of your child. Choosing legal guardianship can bridge the period until you are ready. 

However, legal guardianship may come with its own challenges. This can place strain on your relationship with the chosen guardian. And, you may face opposing views on parenting. In addition to the struggles you may face with legal guardianship, remember that this can greatly impact your child, too. Inconsistent parenting and changes in living arrangements can be traumatic for children, especially during their developmental years. Make sure to choose your baby’s guardian wisely. 

3. Adoption

For some, parenting or legal guardianship may not be possible. Due to financial matters, family relationships, the absence of a spouse or partner, or other conflicts, you may be unable to keep your baby. Or, motherhood may not align with your goals in life. And you may wonder what other abortion alternatives are available. 

With the help of St. Elizabeth Foundation, you can begin the process of placing your baby for adoption. Through adoption, you can provide your baby with a loving home and a safe environment to grow. Like legal guardianship, adoption allows you to stay in contact with your baby, depending on the openness of your adoption. Our adoption agency specializes in open adoption, meaning that once your baby is adopted you can still keep in-person or virtual contact with them.

You have several options within the realm of adoption, as well. If you prefer a confidential adoption, St. Elizabeth Foundation can facilitate a closed adoption. This keeps your identity anonymous to the adopting families throughout the entire process. Once your baby is officially placed, no contact with your baby or the adoptive family is necessary. One of the experienced social workers at our adoption agency can help you understand each type of adoption and determine which is best for you.

Discover Abortion Alternatives With St. Elizabeth Foundation

We understand how overwhelming an unplanned pregnancy can be. Let us make sure you know all possible abortion alternatives. For counseling services and guidance on placing a child for adoption, reach out to St. Elizabeth Foundation. Start by sending us a message or calling us at 225-769-8888. Don’t feel like your options are limited! Find care, support, and solutions through our adoption agency.