An unexpected pregnancy can be unsettling. If you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy in Alabama, there are three options available to you:

• Parenting
• Abortion
• Adoption

While American Adoptions is more than happy to help pregnant women who choose adoption in Alabama, it is not our place to judge any woman for the choice they make regarding their pregnancy. Only you can decide what to do about your unintended pregnancy in Alabama. And while we believe that adoption is beneficial to most people, we also understand that it may not be the best choice for everyone.

You can request information about all your unplanned pregnancy options in Alabama by calling 1-800-ADOPTION at any time. We offer free adoption information and counseling, but there is no obligation to choose adoption.

An unexpected pregnancy can be a frightening situation, especially if you feel you have to face it alone. We are available 24/7 and are always able to listen and connect you to the resources you need for adoption in Alabama. Please feel free to call 1-800-ADOPTION even if you just need pregnancy support and guidance.

The following is an overview of the three unplanned pregnancy options in Alabama:

Choosing Parenting in Alabama

The first question a woman often asks herself when she is faced with an unplanned pregnancy is “Am I ready to be a parent?” The only person who can answer that question is you. Here are some facts to consider when making this decision:

• According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it cost the average middle-income married couple about $245,000 to raise a child in 2013.
• According to a Thomson Healthcare study for the March of Dimes, the average cost of prenatal care and a hospital delivery of a baby is about $8,800.
• The Alabama WIC program can help provide you with groceries and essentials if you are concerned about the costs of parenting.
• The Alabama Office of Child Care Subsidy can offer child care assistance to eligible low-income families, as well as teen parents enrolled in high school or GED programs.
• Other government-funded Alabama assistance programs may be available to help with the cost of bills, education costs, and more.

It is very important to also consider your emotional and mental readiness to parent a child, along with considering the cost of raising a child. Talking to a counselor near you in Alabama may help.

If you do intend to raise your baby and are uninsured, here are some tips to help reduce the cost of pregnancy and delivery.

Once you have decided to parent your baby, build a support system to help you during this time – talk to your doctor, family, friends, or other people you trust. You can also always call 1-800-ADOPTION for free pregnancy information and resource recommendations.

Choosing Abortion in Alabama

The first thing you should do is consult your doctor for advice if you are considering an abortion in Alabama. They will be able to review your medical history to address potential health concerns and explain your abortion options. Your doctor can also assess how far along you are in your pregnancy and whether abortion is still an option for you.

Approximately 88 percent of abortions in the U.S. are performed, often in pill form, in the first few weeks of pregnancy. Most states will not perform an abortion after 20 weeks. At 20 or more weeks post-fertilization, an abortion may only be performed in Alabama if the life of the mother is at risk or her health is severely compromised.

So, if you are further along in your pregnancy, an abortion in Alabama may not be an option for you. If abortion is an option for you, and you decide it is the best option given your circumstances, you should familiarize yourself with the current Alabama abortion laws:

• After receiving state-directed counseling, you must wait 48 hours and undergo an ultrasound before you can go forward with the procedure. The provider must offer you the option to view the image.
• If you are a minor, you must obtain parental consent before an abortion can be provided.
• Public funding or your health insurance will only cover an abortion in the event of life endangerment of the mother, rape or incest.
• Medicaid does not provide funding for an abortion, even if it is medically necessary.

To discuss all your unplanned pregnancy options in Alabama, including abortion, call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with a counselor.

Choosing Adoption in Alabama

There are many misconceptions about the adoption process in Alabama. If you are considering adoption, but aren’t sure what is fact and what is fiction, here are some truths about adoption in AL:

• You don’t pay to place your child for adoption, and you may be eligible to receive financial assistance for prenatal care, delivery costs, and even living expenses.
• You are not giving up on your baby. You are being very brave for your child and putting them first, which takes a lot of strength.
• You get to choose the adoptive family for your baby, and you will be able to get to know them before your baby is born. After the adoption, you can remain in touch with the adoptive family to whatever extent you feel comfortable.
• Today, 9 out of 10 birth parents choose to have an open adoption, and they are able to keep in contact with their child and their adoptive family for as long as they wish.
• Professional counseling, legal representation, and medical care are provided to you for free throughout the adoption process and after the adoption is finalized.

To learn more about adoption as an unplanned pregnancy option in Alabama, call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with a counselor for free. Get answers to your unexpected pregnancy questions without obligation.

How to Choose Between Your Alabama Pregnancy Options

Choosing the right unwanted pregnancy option for you is most likely one of the most challenging decisions you will ever make. No matter your decision, you deserve support.

It is unfair for anyone to judge you on your decision. Only you can know what’s right for you in your situation. Do not let anyone push you into a decision that is not 100 percent your own.

Carefully review your options for parenting, abortion and adoption in Alabama. Know that a trained counselor is always available by calling 1-800-ADOPTION, or you can request free information online.

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