If you are a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy in Iowa, you may not be sure what to do next. You probably never imagined yourself in this position, and it may seem like the end of the world. We know how difficult this situation is, but we encourage you to remember that you are not alone — and that you always have options.

While every expectant mother’s situation is slightly different, you will usually have three unplanned pregnancy options in Iowa: parenting, abortion or adoption.

A woman facing an unplanned pregnancy in Iowa should only make her decision after fully researching her early pregnancy options and thinking about what is best for her. This decision is ultimately up to you — no one else. However, an unplanned pregnancy counselor can help you sort through your feelings and identify the best path for you. You can contact one here.

In the meantime, the information presented in this article is a good place to start your research.

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

The options for dealing with unplanned pregnancies in Iowa are parenting, abortion, or adoption. But choosing a path isn’t a simple decision; it takes a lot of thought and soul-searching to decide what’s right for you.

You should ask yourself several questions about your unwanted pregnancy options, including:

• Should I keep my baby or give up for adoption in Iowa?
• Am I ready to be a parent in Iowa?
• How do I decide to keep a baby or not in Iowa?
• How do I know if adoption is right for me in Iowa?
• What should I do if I’m not ready to be a parent in Iowa?

These are not easy questions. Only the woman pregnant with an unwanted child in IA can answer these and determine which option — parenting, abortion or adoption — is best for her. Fortunately, unplanned pregnancy counselors exist to provide the objective education you need to move forward.

Option 1: Parenting

A woman facing an unintended pregnancy in Iowa may ask, “Am I ready to be a parent?”

There are many things a woman should consider when deciding if parenting is the right choice for her. She must look at her life and decide if she can raise a child in the best way possible. She should ask herself these questions:

• Is she emotionally and mentally ready to care for a child?
• Is she able to provide a stable and consistent living environment for her child?
• What is her financial situation? Can she afford to raise a child?
• What support is available to her through personal relationships and local resources?

If a woman decides to parent her child, there are government-funded programs in Iowa that can provide financial assistance, if needed. The Iowa WIC program (Women, Infants and Children) provides nutrition services, health care and social service referrals. There are also government benefit programs in Iowa that can provide additional support and services.

Option 2: Abortion

Abortion is always an option for unwanted pregnancy in Iowa. It is a relatively safe procedure, and 95 percent of women who obtain one do not regret their decision. If you don’t want to be pregnant, this medical procedure is your solution.

However, there are certain things a pregnant woman needs to know about abortion laws in Iowa:

• A minor must notify one parent or grandparent at least 48 hours before an abortion is provided.
• Public funding will only cover an abortion in Iowa if the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest, if the life of the mother is endangered or if there is a fetal abnormality.
• A woman must undergo an ultrasound before obtaining an abortion. The provider must offer her the option to view the image.

Before choosing to terminate your pregnancy, make sure you have received unbiased, objective information about your unplanned pregnancy choices from reliable sources such as Planned Parenthood.

Option 3: Adoption

Adoption is also an unplanned pregnancy option in Iowa. However, if you’ve already ruled out abortion, parenting vs. adoption can be a tough decision to make. That’s why proper research is so important in choosing the right path for you.

There are a few advantages of adoption:

• Adoption is free for prospective birth mothers, including the cost of prenatal and hospital expenses. Prospective birth mothers may also qualify for financial assistance with living expenses.
• With the help of an adoption professional, the prospective birth mother is in control of the entire adoption process until signing the consent for adoption.
• The prospective birth mother chooses the adoptive family for her baby, as well as the amount of contact she’d like to have with them and her child as he or she grows up. She can get to know the family as much as she wants before the birth.

If you are considering adoption, reach out to a national adoption agency for more information and free adoption counseling.

Whatever choice an expectant mother makes in Iowa, she should always do so after much research and consideration. The control of her choice always belongs to the woman facing an unplanned pregnancy in Iowa — no one else.

Not sure what to do next? Complete this contact form to be connected with a specialist today who can provide free information about all of your unplanned pregnancy options in Iowa