I’m 20, Pregnant and I Don’t Want the Baby: What Next?
At 20 years old, it is very common to still be uncertain about the direction you’d like your life to go. You might be in the midst of discovering or developing a passion, completing a school program or working a job. Raising a child is a life-changing event and, depending on your situation, can be at odds with your own lifeplan.
If you are a 20 year old facing an unplanned pregnancy and have decided that you don’t want the baby, you are probably asking, I’m 20, pregnant and don’t want the baby. What next? Fortunately, Adoption Choices of Missouri is available to walk you through your possibilities. Keep in mind that deciding that you don’t want the baby is a big and emotional process. It is important to make sure that you take the time to ensure that you make an informed choice. This will help you maintain confidence throughout the next steps of your journey. Here are two options for you to choose from:
- Terminate the Pregnancy
The second option that you have if you are facing an unplanned pregnancy is to terminate the pregnancy. If you do not have conflicting personal or religious views with this choice, then it can provide a range of benefits as well. When you schedule your initial meeting with Adoption Choices of Missouri, you will be able to discuss this option in detail with the staff at our adoption agency.
In the state of Missouri, you are required to receive and attend state-mandated, in-person counseling sessions. After this, you must wait 72 hours until you are able to proceed with the abortion procedure. Abortion is legal up to 21 weeks. If you are past this, terminating your pregnancy is only permitted if your health and/or life is in severe danger. Be sure to consult with your doctor and healthcare provider to learn more.
- Place the Baby for Adoption
You always have the option of placing your baby for adoption. If you do choose this path, you can contact Adoption Choices of Missouri to set up an initial meeting. You will be matched with an adoption caseworker who will remain with you throughout the adoption process and can answer any questions or concerns that may arise along the way.
Placing your baby for adoption has many benefits for both you and the baby. If you have career or school-related goals that don’t allow room for a child, adoption can provide the possibility of pursuing your dreams. If you are in a difficult financial situation, you may also be eligible to receive financial assistance during your pregnancy. Choosing to place your baby for adoption ensures that your child will be brought up in a stable and loving home. You will be able to choose the type of adoption that best fits your life, so you will not necessarily have to end all contact with your child if you choose this path.
20, Pregnant and I Don’t Want the Baby: What Next?
Like all life-changing choices, deciding how to proceed can take a lot of time and careful thought. Determining that you are not going to raise your child is a personal one, and not a choice that can be taken lightly. Remember that this decision will be unique to you, so it is important that you listen to your own needs, desires and beliefs. That said, deciding that you don’t want the baby can be an emotional decision, so it might be helpful to talk through it with supportive family or friends.
If you do not have supportive loved ones in your life, the staff at Adoption Choices of Missouri are more than happy to help. We understand the importance of making an informed choice that reflects your own unique circumstances and principles and are here to help you to the best of our abilities.
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 1-816-527-9800
Meet the Author: Molly Doyle is a native San Franciscan, Molly is an experienced educator and a dedicated writer. She holds her multiple subject teaching credential as well as her Masters of Arts in Teaching. When not teaching children or creating new written pieces, Molly can be found kicking around a soccer ball, going for urban hikes or whipping up a fruit pie.
She currently lives in Seattle, her first home outside of California.