Abortion, Adoption, Parenting
When facing an unplanned pregnancy, individuals have several options to consider and it is important to understand the implications of each. It is also important for you to know that you are not alone. The support of our Birthright volunteers can help take the panic out of your decision. You don’t need to make a decision today. Birthright was established to help women experiencing an unplanned or crisis pregnancy, to sort through your thoughts, navigate your path, and support you throughout this process, no matter what path you choose.
Each pregnancy option carries responsibility. Talking with someone about your unique situation can help answer questions you may have about each of your options and understand the resources available to you.
Abortion
Every path carries its own set of responsibilities and emotions. Our caring volunteers provide a listening ear and accurate information to help you move from panic to clarity. Before you schedule an appointment for an abortion, come in and talk to us. We are here to listen to you, to answer your questions, and provide a safe place for you to consider all your options.
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Confidentially Process Your Thoughts: Talk through the factors making you feel like abortion is your only option.
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Get the Facts: Understand the medical and legal realities.
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Pressure Free Space: We are not a medical facility and do not perform or refer for abortions, we do not financially benefit from your choice. Remember, no one can force you into making any particular decision when it comes to your pregnancy.
You have the final say and the power to choose.
Adoption
Adoption is another option to consider. It may empower you to know that you have the choice to create an adoption plan that allows varying levels of contact between you, the birth parent, and the adopted child. There are three adoption options to consider as you decide if adoption is a fit for you.
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Open Adoption – This is the most common type of adoption chosen today and the most flexible. What an open adoption looks like can vary widely in the types and amount of contact shared. It depends on what the birth parents have requested and the adoptive family has agreed to. Identifying information is exchanged between birth parents and adoptive parents including full names, addresses and phone numbers, etc.
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Semi-open Adoption – A semi open adoption is a mix between closed and open. In a semi-open adoption, no identifying information is exchanged. All contact is coordinated by a third-party mediator such as an adoption agency or attorney. This contact includes letters and pictures and any visit requests.
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Closed Adoption – Closed adoptions allow for the most privacy and no identifying information is exchanged. Only the birth mother knows what’s best for her and her child and in some situations, she may choose to have no contact
Adoption takes courage and is a loving choice. Our Birthright volunteers are here to help discuss this option and if you are interested in learning more, we can assist in finding the best adoption agency for you.
Parenting
Parenting is both rewarding and challenging. When considering the option of parenting, many women look at their life as it is now and question how a baby would fit in. Birthright offers a great starting point to help you understand what resources are available to you. Our volunteers can help you understand what you might face as a parent, we can answer your questions and provide you with resources on parenting skills. Our support is on-going.
Our Parenting Services - All of our services are free and confidential.
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Maternity items
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Medical referrals
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Housing referrals
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Educational assistance and referrals
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Medicaid proof-of-pregnancy form
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Referrals to social agencies
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Baby care items such as diapers, baby clothes (0-24 months) and blankets are available monthly
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Confidential help, friendship, and emotional support