I’m Pregnant and in a Bad Relationship, Can I Choose Adoption?
By Manuel Serritos
Bad relationships are far too common than they should be. A relationship you are in might have started off fine, but for one reason or another, things can change. This change often can make the relationship more toxic in comparison to when it was started. The change can be seen in a lack of communication, increased arguments, and even physical or mental abuse. Experiencing any of these problems for an extended period of time can destroy a relationship and a household.
If a child is added to the relationship because of an unplanned pregnancy, it can make things even more complicated. It is difficult for a child to receive proper development when they are living in an unstable household. No child deserves a bad start to life that will place them in an unfavorable living situation. If you are in a bad relationship while pregnant, know you have options for your child. One of those options is Adoption Choices of Missouri.
Initial Steps to Take When Choosing Adoption
Before even searching “how to give a baby up for adoption,” you need to take a look at your relationship. “Is the birth father abusive?” “Has he been supportive?” “Will my child be able to be raised properly by the birth father?” These are all questions you need to ask yourself. Depending on your answers, adoption in Missouri can be a viable route in supporting your child with a loving home.
A bad relationship can create an unstable living environment, but adoption can give your baby the start they need. With adoption agencies in Missouri, we will strive to help you find a loving family for your child. All of the families that are being considered to be adoptive parents are screened with extensive background checks. They are also required to meet with social workers for interviews prior while providing multiple forms of identification. Most importantly, you get to choose the family when creating an adoption plan. The choice of the family your baby, goes to is yours and yours alone. You have complete agency in the decisions made while we provide you with options for adopted parents and resources. Your choices will be supported by our care.
Adoption Support Given to You
Regardless of the stage of pregnancy, you are at, Adoption Choices of Missouri is there to help you. Depending on the support you need, we will provide you with any necessities needed during pregnancy. Some of what we provide includes rent, food, transportation, clothing, phone service, and groceries. Pregnancy can be a time when expenses add up quickly, but we are here to help you out. Although you do not get paid directly for adoption, financial assistance may also be provided by the state. If considering adoption, an Adoption Counselor will help determine and allocate any assistance you may need depending on your situation.
Even with the help, we provide during your pregnancy, giving up your child for adoption can still be a painful decision. While support during pregnancy is much needed, care after delivery is just as essential. Giving up your child is not an easy choice, even if you get to know the adopted family. It can be an experience you can never be fully prepared for until it actually happens. But we are there to support you every step of the way post-pregnancy. The main support we provide after delivery consists of support counseling. This counseling is with trained professionals who understand any feelings you might have after delivery. They will be there to show you compassion and guide you on how an adoption is an act of love.
Handling the Birth Father
Every adoption is a unique situation. Depending on the role of the birth father in your life currently, your baby can be placed for adoption without his consent. This is mainly possible in cases where the birth father is abusive or uninvolved. If there is a history of abuse with the birth father, your child deserves better. You have the right to decide what option is best for your child and if adoption is that decision. When you are creating an adoption plan, our team will discuss the choices you have. Just because things may seem bleak with the birth father, it does not mean your child will be affected.
If you are pregnant and considering adoption while in a bad relationship, please know you are not alone. You have support, and the status of the relationship does not define how your child will do. Adoption can help provide your baby with a loving family and a new beginning.
Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond. Please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll-free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri, call or text us at 816-527-9800
