“What are my options if I’m pregnant?” This may be one of the first thoughts you have after realizing that you are carrying a new life. Having an unplanned pregnancy can be a scary experience — especially if you are facing this situation alone, or if you are afraid to tell your friends and family.

At American Adoptions we are happy to give you the information you need to make the best decision for you, whatever it is. The three unplanned pregnancy options in Indiana that you have are:

• Abortion

• Adoption

• Parenting

American Adoptions primarily works with mothers that wish to place their child for adoption in Indiana due to an unexpected pregnancy. Although this is our specialty, we know that this may not be the right choice for you. That’s why we provide free unplanned pregnancy counseling for all of your options. When you call our counselors at 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our free online contact form, you are never obligated to choose adoption unless you are sure it’s right for you.

How to Decide Whether to Keep a Baby: Parenting in Indiana

When you first learn that you are pregnant you may be asking yourself “Should I keep my baby?” Choosing to parent is not an easy choice, so it is important to consider all of the facts before making your decision.

• Which is more expensive, pregnancy or adoption? The cost of raising a child may be one of your first concerns. The cost of parenting is significant compared to adoption in Indiana. According to the Department of Agriculture, the average annual cost of raising a child in Indiana is about $12,000. You will also need to think about the cost of hospital care as well as prenatal visits. However, when you choose adoption, the entire process will be free to you, and you can even receive financial assistance for certain living and pregnancy expenses.
• Will the father be involved, or will you need to raise your child alone? It is possible that are in a situation where you have an unsupportive or uninvolved birth father. Having to choose between becoming a single mother or placing your child for adoption could be another dilemma that you are facing. The best place to start is by calling 1-800-ADOPTION. An adoption professional can help with your current situation.
• Are you ready for the responsibilities of parenting? Parenting can be a rewarding and enriching experience. But, it can also be a challenging one as well. Before you decide on this path, it is important to ask yourself if you are able to provide the life you want to give to your child.

Choosing to parent is a lifelong commitment, but it does mean that you will be the most important part of your child's life. On the other hand, many women choose adoption in order to give their child the kind of life they are unable to provide. Both are great options, and it is important to do what feels best for you when facing an unintended pregnancy in Indiana.

If you are considering parenting, WIC (also known as Women, Infants, and Children) may be a great resource. There are also many parenting classes in Indiana that can provide you with some helpful tools as you prepare for this journey.

If you are considering adoption, keep reading for more information. You can also call 1-800-ADOPTION to receive free information about our adoption services and learn about other resources for an unintended pregnancy in Indiana.

Adoption in Indiana

If you are pregnant but not ready for another baby, you may have thought about the adoption process — but may be unsure of where to start. Choosing adoption means that you will still be an important figure in your child’s life, especially if you choose to pursue an open adoption in Indiana. 

It is okay to be hesitant about adoption, especially if the process is new to you. If you are wondering about adoption instead of keeping the baby in Indiana, here are some answers to questions you may have about this pregnancy option.

• Will I be able to see my child after the adoption? One of the great aspects of choosing adoption is having the chance to watch your child grow alongside the adoptive family. Many women choose to have an open adoption, letting them build a better relationship with their child through letters, photos, phone calls and even in-person visits. If you are not comfortable with an open adoption, that is okay, too. You are welcome to call 1-800-ADOPTION at any time to learn about your other pregnancy adoption options in Indiana.
• What are the costs of adoption? Unlike parenting, choosing adoption will come at no cost to you. You may also qualify for additional living expenses and other benefits. Your specialist will be able to work with you to find out what kind of assistance is available.
• But, how to choose adoption or to keep my baby? Considering choosing adoption instead of keeping the baby will be one of the most challenging decisions in your life. Ultimately, it comes down to what kind of life you envision for yourself and your child. Many women who place their child for adoption have the opportunity to finish their education or begin their careers. Placing your baby for adoption gives your child a life filled with many different opportunities, as well — one that you get to choose as a prospective birth mother.

If you are worried about making the right choice, please contact us at 1-800-ADOPTION for answers to your questions.

Abortion in Indiana

If you are considering abortion instead of adoption or parenting, it is essential that you first speak to your doctor. They will be able to explain the process to you and answer any questions that you may have.

Choosing to have an abortion is one of the early pregnancy options to choose from. Unlike parenting or adoption, abortion is not possible later in pregnancy. According to the Guttmacher Institute, around 8,180 abortions were provided in Indiana in 2014.

The state of Indiana does have some restrictions in place when it comes to abortions. The following abortion laws have been in effect since Jan. 1, 2018:

• You must have parental consent if you are a minor. However, a judge may excuse you from this requirement. This process is called a judicial bypass.
• You are required to have an ultrasound, and your provider will give you the option to view the image.
• An abortion can be performed up to  20 weeks into a pregnancy. Any abortions after 20 weeks can only be completed “if the woman’s life or physical health is severely compromised.”

If you are thinking about abortion, it is important to start learning about the process as soon as possible. While abortion is safe, there are more risks the longer you wait. The process could also take longer if you need to obtain a judicial bypass. 

When it comes to an unwanted pregnancy, making the decision to have an abortion unfortunately can still carry some negative stigmas. Be aware of agendas pushed by pro-life advocates and those with anti-abortion views, especially when they are not difficult to find on the internet. You should not feel pressured into letting these views change your decision. It is important to avoid this biased information in order to form your own opinion with plenty of educated sources.

To learn more about your options if you are pregnant in Indiana, you are welcome to call 1-800-ADOPTION, with absolutely no obligation to choose adoption. You can also read our website for more unplanned pregnancy help.

We know that you may feel overwhelmed as you consider your options for pregnancy. The attitudes regarding the options for dealing with unplanned pregnancies have changed dramatically over the years. While it has become easier to talk about different options for an unwanted pregnancy today, it can still be a difficult conversation. No matter what option you decide is best for you — whether that is terminating a pregnancy, placing your child for adoption or choosing to parent — no one should criticize you for your decision.

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