5 Things to Consider When Placing a Baby for Adoption in Your Teens

Experiencing an unplanned pregnancy as a teenager? You’re not alone. You have options, including adoption. Call us now at 1-800-ADOPTION to get basic information. 

• Regardless of age, adoption is always an option. 

• American Adoptions’ size and national scope mean we can find you and your child the perfect adoptive family.

• You can still live out your dreams of finishing your education or starting your career by choosing adoption. 

• A life-long bond is shared between everyone involved in your adoption journey. 

Patricia, a birth mother that placed her child for adoption with American Adoptions, was a teenager experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. 

“I was scared, being I was only 19 and on my second pregnancy,” Patricia says. “I sat for about two hours just thinking about what I should do. I talked to the father, and we both agreed on adoption. I called another adoption company first and then American Adoptions, and I instantly fell in love with my adoption professional. She was so caring, and I felt I could trust her with anything.”

The first thing you should know is that you aren’t alone. You aren’t the first teenager experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, nor will you be the last.

And, while you’re the only one who can decide how to proceed with this pregnancy, there are plenty of resources out there dedicated to helping you make that decision — like us, a caring team of adoption specialists who are well-versed in the realm of adoption, in part because many of us have our own first-hand adoption stories. 

Adoption can provide you with hope for the future, a life-long relationship with a loving adoptive family and most importantly, a better life for your child. We want to make sure your adoption experience is safe, smooth and rewarding.

As you begin to consider your unplanned pregnancy options, ask yourself the following questions. 

1. Do I have the financial means to raise this baby? 

According to the Wall Street Journal in 2013, raising a child until age 18 costs an average of $245,340. Of course, there are resources that exist to help women provide for their children, but many teenagers choose adoption because they don’t feel they can give their child everything he or she deserves.

Adoption, on the other hand, is completely free to women of any age who choose to place their babies, and you may also be eligible for financial help during your pregnancy.

2. Will my child’s father be involved in his or her upbringing? 

It is absolutely possible to raise a child as a single mother, but many teenagers who become pregnant aren’t in serious, long-term relationships with their baby’s father. Having a strong support system around you is incredibly important when choosing to parent a child.

If parenting isn’t an option and you want to place your child up for adoption as a teenager, you can contact one of our adoption professionals for information on how to begin your adoption journey. You can also get information on the birth father’s involvement and how that may impact your adoption, as adoption laws vary from state to state. 

Information on the adoption process, as well as the role of the birth father, is available to you 24/7 by calling 1-800-ADOPTION or visiting us online. 

3. How will raising this child affect my goals for the future? 

We know that as a teenager experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, your short-term educational goals may seem up in the air. The choice of parenting your child could potentially impact any sense of normalcy when it comes to completing your high school education, attending college or vocational school, or starting a job or career.

As a young adult starting or in the middle of pursuing your goals, parenting may seem impossible.  

Your goals and dreams of finishing your education or starting a career in order to create a foundation for your future don’t have to disappear. Adoption can ensure that not only will your child find the perfect home with a loving and nurturing family, but you can continue down your intended path to create a better future for yourself. 

We have helped many teenagers and young adults in similar situations experience the joy and happiness of adoption while also taking pride in watching them fulfill their dreams. American Adoptions offers birth mother scholarships, as well as provides every pregnant woman with free counseling. We can’t wait for the opportunity to do the same for you.

To get free information on adoption options for teenagers, fill out our online contact form. 

4. Am I ready to become a mother at this point in my life? 

Some teens just aren’t ready to become parents yet (or become a parent again), and that’s completely okay.

As a teenager, this is likely the biggest decision you’ll ever have to make — and it doesn’t just concern you. Whether you feel you aren’t ready to be responsible for a child or you don’t wish to ever become a parent, it’s okay if motherhood just isn’t something you want right now. 

Even if you decide parenting isn’t an option for you at this point in your life, you want what’s best for your child. Adoption can be that and more.

The ability to work with us to find the perfect adoptive family not only gives your child an amazing home, but can also create a life-long bond through open adoption that keeps you connected to your child in whatever capacity you feel is comfortable. 

You can get more information on open adoption by calling us for free at 1-800-ADOPTION. 

5. Is abortion an option for me? 

If you decide that you don’t wish to raise this baby, one of your options is to have an abortion.

Some women feel strongly that abortion is not for them. If that is the case for you, that’s completely okay. If you are considering having an abortion, however, it’s important to know your state’s laws about the procedure.

There is, of course, a time limit on legal abortions in every state, but many also have laws about parental consent when a minor is involved. Depending on where you live, you may have to have your parents accompany you and give permission for an abortion if you are under 18. 

If, however, you decide that you aren’t ready to parent but do not wish to have an abortion either, know that you can place your baby for adoption as a teenager.  

To learn more about adoption and what it could look like for you and your child, call American Adoptions at any time at 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with a licensed social worker. 

How to Place Your Child for Adoption as a Teenager [Start Your Adoption Journey Today]    

Choosing adoption for your child as a teenager is an act of love and the desire to find the perfect home for your baby.

Because of our size and national scope, we can connect you with adoptive families from across the country in order to meet the right family for you and your baby. Because many of our adoption professionals have first-hand adoption stories, our unique perspective and knowledge of the adoption process allow us to create an adoption plan specific to your needs.

Michelle, a birth parent specialist and a birth parent who placed her child for adoption as a teenager, is ready to answer any questions you have about teenagers putting their child up for adoption.   

“I am available to answer any questions that arise, particularly from birth moms, as I have been in your shoes and know how you are feeling,” Michelle said. “It was most helpful to me when I had someone to talk to who would just listen to me without making any judgments or conclusions about who I was as a person.”    

You can ask Michelle questions about the adoption process online. You can also call us for free at 1-800-ADOPTION, or get free information with our online contact form for prospective birth mothers considering adoption here. Adoptive families wanting more information on adopting a child can click here to get more information.

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