If you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy in Kansas right now, you probably have a lot of questions.  

• What if I don’t want my baby? 

• Is an abortion right for me? 

• Can I put up my child for adoption in Kansas? 

Heather, a birth mother who contacted American Adoptions after finding out she was pregnant, experienced what so many women do upon learning they are unexpectedly pregnant. 

“When I found out that I was pregnant with Luke in 2006, I knew I could not care for another child. I was alone, scared and very worried about what the future held for my unborn baby, my children and me.” 

An unplanned pregnancy might leave you worried about what to do, but you have options. This article will provide important information on what choices are available for you and your unborn baby. 

If you’re ready to speak to an adoption professional to find out more information about your pregnancy and adoption options in Kansas, our agency is here to help. You can call us anytime and speak with an adoption professional at 1-800-ADOPTION, get free information online or view current waiting families for adoption. 

Hopeful adoptive families wanting information on how to adopt a child can contact us by filling out this form. 

Unplanned Pregnancy Options in Kansas [Decide What’s Best for You] 

When you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy in Kansas, or anywhere else in the United States, there are generally three choices available to you:

1. Adoption in Kansas

2. Parenting in Kansas 

3. Abortion in Kansas 

Although American Adoptions specializes in working with pregnant women in Kansas who choose the first option, we aren’t here to judge any woman for her choice. Quite the opposite — we always want you to do what is best for your life. And while we believe that adoption is the option that can benefit the most people, adoption is not the right choice for everyone. 

By calling 1-800-ADOPTION, you can receive free adoption information and learn about all of your unplanned pregnancy options in Kansas. Arming yourself with as much information as possible will help you to make the best possible decision for you. You’ll also have the opportunity to speak with adoption professionals that have their own personal experiences with adoption and can directly relate to the emotions you’re experiencing.

An unplanned pregnancy can be a frightening situation, especially if you feel that you’re dealing with it alone. We’re here to talk, to listen, to connect you with the resources you need, and to educate you about all of your unplanned pregnancy options in Kansas — so please feel free to call or fill out our online form here. 

In the meantime, the following is a basic overview of the three options that a woman can choose in response to an unintended pregnancy in KS: 

Option 1: Facts about Adoption in Kansas [Build a Life-Long Bond] 

Maybe you are considering adoption as an option for your unplanned pregnancy in Kansas, but you have some concerns about the process. These questions and concerns are normal, and they are a sign that you truly want to make the best possible choice for yourself and your baby. 

Here are some common fears about adoption in Kansas for unplanned pregnancy, and the facts behind those fears: 

• If you’re worried about not being able to know your child, you should learn more about open adoption, which 9 out of 10 expectant mothers choose when making an adoption plan. 

• If you’re worried about the cost of adoption, you should know that not only is adoption free for you, you may also qualify for additional benefits and living expenses. 

• If you’re worried about placing your child with strangers, you should know that you choose and get to know the adoptive family, in addition to maintaining as much or as little post-adoption contact as you like. 

• If you’re worried about feeling adrift in the adoption process, you should know that a legal representative, medical care, and professional counseling before and after the adoption is provided to you for free. You will also be assigned a personal adoption specialist to work with you throughout the process and provide whatever other Kansas adoption services you need. 

To learn more about adoption as an unplanned pregnancy option in Kansas, you can call 1-800-ADOPTION any time to get free information and to ask questions about adoption or your situation with no obligation. Our online contact form is also available here. 

Option2: Facts about Parenting in Kansas 

When you first learn of an unplanned pregnancy, one of the first questions you will likely ask yourself is, “Am I ready to be a parent?” Consider all of the following in your decision: 

• For a middle-income married couple, the average cost of raising a child through the age of 17 was estimated at $233,610 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

• The average cost of prenatal care and a hospital delivery of a baby is about $8,800, according to a Thomson Healthcare study for March of Dimes. 

• Your local Kansas WIC program can help you with groceries and basics. 

• The Child Care Subsidy Program helps some Kansas families pay for child care costs; see if you qualify here. 

• Other Kansas benefit programs may be able to help with bills, school costs, and more. 

If you’re uninsured, here are some tips to help reduce the costs of your pregnancy and delivery if you intend to parent. 

But cost isn’t the only factor you should consider when deciding whether or not to parent your baby. It’s also important to consider: 

• Your mental and emotional readiness to raise a child. Facing an unplanned pregnancy is stressful, and deciding if you’re ready to raise this child will require a lot of thought; talking to a counselor near you in KS can help. 

• Your support system. Raising a child is a big commitment, and it isn’t easy to do alone. Consider whether your baby’s father will be a committed and reliable source of support for you, or if you have other close family members and friends who can help when you need it. 

• Your future goals. When you have a new baby, he or she often becomes the central focus of your life. You will have to shift your priorities so that your child’s needs come first, which may mean putting certain career and educational goals on hold. 

Considering parenting but not sure where to start? Build a support network. Talk to your doctor, ask local churches and charitable organizations for connections to resources, or talk to people that you trust. 

Option 3: Facts about Abortion in Kansas 

If you’re considering an abortion, the first thing you should do is speak to your doctor. They’ll be able to explain your abortion options and address any potential health concerns unique to you based on your medical history. 

Your doctor can also determine how far along you are in your pregnancy and whether abortion is still an option for you. Abortion in Kansas is only an unplanned pregnancy option for women who are relatively early in their pregnancy, unless the pregnancy is putting your life in danger. Approximately 88 percent of all U.S. abortions are obtained within the first few weeks of pregnancy, typically in pill form, and it’s rare to find a state that will perform an abortion after about 20 weeks. So, while abortion is one of the unwanted pregnancy options for some women in Kansas, it’s typically ruled out if you’re already later in your pregnancy. 

If abortion is an option for you, and you decide that it is the best choice in your circumstances, you should familiarize yourself with Kansas abortion laws. According to the Guttmacher Institute, as of September 1, 2019, the following abortion laws in Kansas were in effect: 

• You must receive state-directed counseling and then wait 24 hours before the procedure is provided. 

• Your insurance will likely only cover the abortion in the case of life endangerment, but you may be able to purchase an optional rider at an additional cost, depending on your policy. 

• If you are a minor, you must obtain parental consent before an abortion will be provided. 

• Public funding is available for abortion only in cases of life endangerment, rape or incest. 

• A woman must undergo an ultrasound before obtaining an abortion; the provider must offer her the option to view the image. 

• An abortion may only be performed after 20 weeks post-fertilization (22 weeks after the woman’s last menstrual period) if the woman’s life is endangered or if her physical health is severely compromised. 

Remember that all three pregnancy options come with emotional tolls, and abortion is no exception. Scheduling an appointment with a counselor can help. 

Your 3 Kansas Pregnancy Options 

Regardless of what you choose to do in response to an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy in Kansas, you deserve to be supported in that decision. This is likely the biggest choice that you’ve ever had to make, and it’s not one that you’ll make lightly. Know that it’s unfair for others to judge you or push you into any decision.

Only you can know what’s right for you when reviewing your pregnancy options in Kansas. 

Birth mothers like Sara found herself experiencing a pregnancy and didn’t know what to do until she decided to do some research on her options. She found American Adoptions. 

“I didn’t know what to do, so I got on the internet and searched ‘adoption.’ I was trying to convince myself it was the right thing to do. The next day, I called American Adoptions and left my information. I had never known anyone who’d been through adoption, and I had a lot of questions. Social worker Erin immediately returned my call. She answered my questions, and we discussed the concept of adoption. When I hung up the phone (crying), I knew this was the right choice for me and the baby. It was what my child deserved.” 

Educate yourself about parenting, abortion, and adoption in Kansas. Remember that you can always contact us for information about your Kansas unplanned pregnancy options by calling 1-800-ADOPTION or getting your free information online. It’s free, confidential and non-judgmental. 

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.