Exploring Your Alabama Unplanned Pregnancy Options

In general, a woman facing an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy in Alabama has three options: parenting, abortion or adoption.

There are pros and cons to each Alabama unplanned pregnancy option. Much thought must go into which decision is best for the expectant mother and her pregnancy. It can be one of the most difficult choices to make, which is why every expectant mother must research and learn about all of her options before moving forward.

If you are in this situation and considering your options for pregnancy in Alabama, know this: You know better than anyone which of your pregnancy options is best for your situation — and you are the only person who can decide what to do about your unplanned pregnancy in Alabama. Don’t ever let someone pressure you into a decision you are uncomfortable with or not ready for.

To help you make that decision, we’ve gathered some information about each of your unplanned pregnancy options in Alabama below.

Still confused? Reach out to an unplanned pregnancy counselor for free anytime.

What are My Options if I’m Pregnant in Alabama?

If you are facing an unwanted or unplanned pregnancy in Alabama, you generally have three options to choose from — parenting, abortion or adoption. Each is a viable option for an expectant mother, but only you can figure out which is the best path for you.

Here is some specific information about each of these unwanted pregnancy options in Alabama.

Option 1: Parenting

Upon discovering she is pregnant, a woman often has one first thought: “Am I ready to be a parent?”

There are many things a pregnant woman should consider when deciding whether or not she can parent her child. She will want to think about her financial situation and if she is able to provide for her child. Does she have family and friends that can help support her physically and emotionally?

She will also want to think about her mental maturity and stability for her child. Is she emotionally ready to parent a child?

Raising a child is one of the toughest jobs anyone can have. A woman facing an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy in Alabama may not be in the most ideal situation to raise a child. But, if a woman does decide to parent, there are many resources available from local agencies in Alabama. These resources are often listed on county or state websites, such as the Alabama Department of Public Health. The Woman, Infants and Children program (WIC) offers support through food assistance and education in Alabama.

Option 2: Abortion

It is not easy to make the choice between abortion or keeping your baby in Alabama. Like parenting, abortion is a permanent decision, and a woman must be okay with that commitment.

While abortions are typically safe medical procedures, the emotional challenges that follow can be overwhelming for some women. A woman facing this choice needs to consider if she is mentally prepared for these temporary feelings of grief and loss. However, keep in mind that 95 percent of women who have abortions do not regret their decisions.

If you’re not ready for a baby but pregnant, abortion can prevent you from feeling the financial and physical challenges of pregnancy. But, before taking this path, you need to understand Alabama restrictions on abortion, which include:

  • The parent of a minor must consent to the procedure before an abortion is provided.
  • A woman must receive state-directed counseling that includes information designed to discourage her from having an abortion. She then must wait 48 hours before the procedure is provided.
  • The use of telemedicine to administer medication abortion is prohibited.
  • Health plans offered in the state’s health exchange under the Affordable Care Act will only cover abortion if the woman’s life is endangered or in cases of rape or incest.
  • Public funding is available for abortion only if the woman’s life is endangered, or in the case of rape or incest.
  • A woman must undergo an ultrasound before obtaining an abortion, and the provider must offer her the option to view the ultrasound images.

You can learn more about the costs and physical effects of abortion here.

Option 3: Adoption

As with all of your unplanned pregnancy options in Alabama, there are pros and cons of choosing adoption. But, for the women who research and decide upon this path, it can be a fulfilling one full of joy and love.

When a pregnant woman chooses adoption, she will work with an adoption professional and be in control of the entire process. She will be able to select the family for her child and decide how much contact she’d like to have with them as her child grows up.

Adoption is always free to a prospective birth mother. A pregnant woman always reserves the right to change her mind about adoption, even after the baby is born. Most importantly, when a pregnant woman chooses adoption for her baby, she is giving them a wonderful life that she may not otherwise have been able to provide.

But, how do you know if adoption is right for you?

  • You aren’t ready to be a parent, but you want to give your child the best opportunities at life, including a loving and prepared adoptive family.
  • You are worried about the costs of pregnancy and childbirth.
  • You are uncomfortable with abortion, but you’re not sure parenting is right for you.
  • You want a lifelong relationship with your child after birth, even though you aren’t prepared to parent them.

Want to learn more about adoption as an unplanned pregnancy option? Contact an adoption agency or attorney anytime for free, objective information.

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy in Alabama, it can be a scary and overwhelming time. When it all seems too much, try to remember that you always have choices.

There are many questions you may be asking yourself during this time. By filling out this contact form, you will be connected to a specialist who can answer these questions and provide free information about all of your unplanned pregnancy options in Alabama, not just adoption.

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