Why Adoption is An Option For an Unplanned Pregnancy in Missouri

As time goes on, life throws surprises at us, and unplanned pregnancies are among them. The difference between unplanned pregnancy and other unexpected events is that it involves a new human life. Parenting is the hardest thing anyone can do, and every expectant mother may not be at a point in their life where they are ready to do so. If that is the case for you, don’t feel alone because you are not the only one. There is a stigma among the options for an unplanned pregnancy, and adoption is no exception. The stigma is undeserved and scares people off from even considering adoption as an option. Stigma should not be a deciding factor in what you choose for your child. The most important thing is to give them the best life you can, whether you keep your child or place them for Adoption in MO.

The Unwarranted Stigma around the Adoption Process

Birth mothers are often portrayed as total messes needing to be cleaned up or desperate women trying to get her baby back. Choosing to give a baby up for adoption doesn’t mean you’ve fallen apart, and neither is it a choice of desperation. It is an emotional and hard choice, but it is done as an act of love to give a child a better life. Reasons for choosing adoption vary. Examples include:

• Financial struggles.
• Already having older children.
• Finishing an education.
• The desire to have the child raised in a two-parent household.

These birth mothers are not “giving up” on their child, but rather attempting to put them in a good family that can give what they can’t. No, the birth mother doesn’t run back later, demanding to get her child back because adoption is a legal process that terminates parental rights and gives them to adoptive parents. Additionally, birth parents often choose the adoptive family to know the new family is trustworthy.

When you tell your family you are considering adoption, you are likely going to get opposition. You are never going to please everyone, but communication is key to getting them to understand your position. Only you can know what’s best for your situation, so don’t let opposers hold you back. 

Adoption is an Option that can Give Your Child a Better Life

Children obviously can’t raise themselves, so parents that love and care for them are what they need. If you are going through an unplanned pregnancy, it is possible your current situation is not favorable to raising a child. Some women may not want to parent. Or maybe you don’t have the resources to care for your child properly or may not be able to give them the attention they need. It is also possible that you don’t have a good support system.

Additionally, you will be giving someone the chance to have children who may otherwise not have been able to parent. In some cases, children may have special needs, and the birth parents may not afford the additional resources to do so well. Adoption isn’t the right choice for every unplanned pregnancy, so don’t rush your decision.

One of the hardest parts of adoption is parting ways with your child. This can cause feelings of loss in mothers, which is why adoption does not meet its media portrayals. Among these media portrayals are that the child does not know who their birth parents are as they grow up. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. In the past, all adoptions were closed. This meant that birth families and adoptive families had no contact after the adoption was finalized. Today, it is increasingly common for birth parents to continue communicating with their child. Of course, this will depend on the type of adoption you and the adoptive parents agree to. Because post-adoption agreements are not legally binding, it is important to make sure that you are on the same page. Talk to your caseworker to know what to consider when making arrangements with your adoptive family. 

Adoption Choices of Missouri has helped moms in all kinds of situations. Don’t let adoption stigma stop you from making the best choice for your baby, whether it’s adoption or a different option. Our specialists will answer your questions and discuss your options when you are ready. There is no need to feel alone because you are not. Our adoption agencies in Missouri will be there to give you the support you need during this difficult time.

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

Meet the author: Seannea Wharton is a student at Miami University majoring in English. As of now, she is working on her first novel, starting a book blog, and learning American Sign Language. She was raised in a suburban town in New Jersey and has various hobbies such as gardening, cooking, and crocheting. She enjoys learning about a wide range of topics and loves finding new books to read.