An unplanned pregnancy is often one of the most difficult situations that a woman can face, regardless of her circumstances. If you are not ready to be or were not planning to be pregnant, those two pink lines can put a halt on your life in ways you couldn’t have anticipated.

If you are facing an unwanted pregnancy in Pennsylvania, it is normal to feel all kinds of emotions — panic, shock, confusion, anger and disbelief. Fortunately, there are always options for women in your situation. And it will always be up to you to determine which path is the right choice for you.

Generally speaking, you have three unplanned pregnancy options in Pennsylvania: parenting, abortion and adoption.

Before you decide which of these options for pregnancy is best for you, you should always do extensive research to learn more about the pros and cons of each. If you are curious about your pregnancy adoption options in Pennsylvania, the staff at The Law Offices of Denise M. Bierly is here to help. We have guided many women through unplanned pregnancies and placing their children for adoption, and we can help you, too. We can provide the information you need to decide if adoption is right for you and, when you are ready, help you move forward with your unintended pregnancy in Pennsylvania.

You can always speak to our adoption professionals for free and with no obligation when you call our law firm at 814-237-7900. You can also contact us online for more information. In the meantime, we’ve provided some basic information about each of your unwanted pregnancy options below.

Parenting

If you are considering your options for unwanted pregnancy in Pennsylvania, parenting may be the first choice that you think of. Many women who face unplanned pregnancies go on to parent; in fact, half of the pregnancies in the United States every year are unplanned, and about half of those resulted in a live birth and parenting by the mother.

You will always have the right to choose to parent your child from an unplanned pregnancy, but it is important that you consider your personal situation before choosing this solution. Parenting isn’t right for everyone at every time in their life; it is crucial that you can provide the kind of support and care a growing child needs not only now but also for the next 18 years.

Before deciding to parent your child, ask yourself this:

• Can I afford to raise a child to age 18?
• Do I have the support system I need?
• Will the baby’s father be involved?
• If I’m going to be a single mother, what are my plans for work and childcare?
• Am I excited to be a parent — or is it something I feel like I have to do?

Before you choose parenting as a solution for your Pennsylvania unintended pregnancy, consider talking to an unplanned pregnancy counselor. If you ultimately decide to move forward, there are some local programs available to prepare you for this journey:

• Pennsylvania Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
• Pennsylvania Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
• Pennsylvania Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Pennsylvania Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Abortion

If you are asking, “What are my options if I’m pregnant?” you may also be asking, “Is abortion an option for me?”

Like many states, Pennsylvania has specific laws regulating the process of abortion. Abortion is illegal after a pregnancy reaches 24 weeks (unless necessary in the case of life or health endangerment). A woman must wait at least 24 hours after receiving counseling before she can complete the procedure. Any minors seeking to terminate their pregnancies must have parental consent.

Women wishing to terminate their pregnancies should speak with a licensed medical professional to learn more about their options. They should seek out an objective pregnancy counseling center (such as Planned Parenthood) to find a local abortion clinic. If you are considering abortion, make sure to do diligent research to educate yourself and ensure this is the right path for you before committing to this permanent decision.

In addition, keep these facts in mind:

• While 90 percent of women who receive abortions do not regret their decisions, it is normal to experience feelings of grief and loss after the procedure.
• Abortion can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
• Abortion is a time-sensitive option, so pregnant women must make a decision quickly.
• Abortion is a very controversial topic, so seek out objective sources of information and only share your decision with those who will support you every step of the way.

Adoption

The last of your pregnancy options in Pennsylvania is adoption. When you take this path, you will carry your child to term and place them with an adoptive family of your choosing. You will have the opportunity to get to know the adoptive family before placement, and you will have the chance to continue that relationship after your child is placed by choosing an open adoption.

If you are considering your pregnancy adoption options, we encourage you to reach out to our professionals today. They can answer all of the questions you have about placing a child for adoption in Pennsylvania and help you decide whether this is the right alternative pregnancy option for you. You may not be ready to become a parent at the time of your unplanned pregnancy, but adoption can give your baby the life you want them to have.

There are a few important things you should know about choosing adoption in Pennsylvania:

• You will be in charge every step of the way, and you will retain the right to change your mind until giving your adoption consent.
• Adoption is completely free to you and, depending on your situation, you may be eligible for additional financial assistance during your pregnancy.
• You may experience feelings of grief and loss after placement, but you will always have the right to free counseling, should you wish for it.
• You can choose the adoptive family and the kind of post-placement relationship you wish to have with your child in the years to come.

We know deciding between your options for unplanned pregnancy in Pennsylvania can be difficult, but our professionals are always here to provide the information and references you need to help you make the best decision for you. To contact our professionals for free today, please call 814-237-7900.