If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy in Tennessee, you may feel overwhelmed by your circumstances — and by the decision you are now facing. But you don’t have to go through this alone.

Generally speaking, every woman facing an unintended pregnancy in Tennessee has three options: adoption, abortion and parenting. The guide below will give you more information about each of these options, but sometimes, it helps to talk to a real person about what you’re going through.

American Adoptions offers free, 24/7 options counseling for women facing an unexpected pregnancy in Tennessee or anywhere else in the United States. You can call 1-800-ADOPTION at any time for no-obligation information about all of your unplanned pregnancy options in Tennessee — not just adoption. We know that adoption is not the right choice for every woman, and we want to give you all the information you need to make the decision that is best for you.

In the meantime, you can find more information about your pregnancy options in Tennessee below.

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

When you first learn of an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy in Tennessee, you will probably experience a rush of complicated emotions. Once you overcome the initial shock, however, your next thoughts probably are, “Okay, so I’m pregnant. What are my options in TN?”

Every woman has three options for unplanned pregnancy, and we’ve outlined the facts about each of them here. 

Option 1: Parenting

Most times, when a woman is assessing her unplanned pregnancy options, the first question she asks herself is, “Am I ready to be a parent?”

There are a few different types of readiness you may want to consider if you are thinking about raising this child:

• Financial readiness: The average cost to raise a child to age 18 is $245,000; the average cost of pregnancy and childbirth alone is $8,800. Women facing an unplanned pregnancy in Tennessee often aren’t prepared for these unexpected costs. However, if you feel that you are mentally and emotionally prepared to raise this child, but not financially equipped, you may qualify for assistance from certain state-funded programs in Tennessee.  

• Emotional and mental readiness: Parenting a child is a big commitment, one that takes a lot of emotional energy and sacrifice. If you’re not sure that you are mentally or emotionally ready for all the responsibilities of parenting, you may want to talk to a counselor to discuss whether parenting is the best option for you. A professional can help you sort through any doubts or fears you have and discuss what to do if you’re not ready to be a parent in Tennessee.

For more information on pregnancy and parenting resources, or for help deciding between parenting vs. adoption in TN, you can call 1-800-ADOPTION or request free information online.

Option 2: Abortion

One of the more common options for unwanted pregnancy in Tennessee is abortion. If you are considering abortion as one of your early pregnancy options in TN, your first step should be making an appointment with your doctor. They can tell you how far along you are in your pregnancy and inform you about your abortion options in your circumstances.

As you consider your unwanted pregnancy options in Tennessee, it’s also important to be aware of your state’s restrictions on abortion. According to the Guttmacher Institute, the following restrictions on abortion were in effect in Tennessee as of April 1, 2017:

• A woman must receive in-person, state-directed counseling and then wait at least 48 hours before having the abortion procedure.

• Health plans under the Affordable Care Act may not cover abortion.

• Abortion medication cannot be administered through telemedicine.

• The parent of a minor must consent before an abortion is provided.

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

• Abortions cannot be performed at or after viability unless the woman’s life or physical health is in severe danger.

Abortion can be a sensationalized topic, so make sure to obtain information and support from reliable sources. Planned Parenthood can provide reliable information about how to safely and legally obtain an abortion in Tennessee.

You can also call 1-800-ADOPTION at any time for nonjudgmental support and information if you are considering adoption vs. abortion in Tennessee. Remember, your call is free, confidential and does not obligate you in any way to complete the adoption process.

Option 3: Adoption

Adoption is the third of your options for unplanned pregnancy in Tennessee. But many women facing an unintended pregnancy know little about this option. With so many myths and misunderstandings surrounding adoption and how it works today, how do you know if adoption is right for you?

Remember, you are the only person who can decide which of your options for pregnancy is the best choice for you and your baby. However, American Adoptions is always happy to help by offering free adoption information, answers to your questions and emotional support throughout this decision-making process.

In the meantime, here are some facts about adoption that you may not have considered before:

• Adoption is 100 percent free to you. All of your adoption services will be provided at no charge, and you may even be eligible for financial help throughout your pregnancy for certain living expenses.

• Most adoptions today are open, meaning birth mothers continue to have a relationship with the child they place long after the adoption. If you choose adoption for your baby, you will be able to see him or her grow up through picture and letter updates, phone calls, emails, in-person visits or whatever form of contact you’re comfortable with.

• The mother choosing adoption is always in charge of the adoption process. If you choose adoption for your baby, you’ll be selecting his or her adoptive family, determining how you want your hospital stay to go, deciding on the type of relationship you want to have after the adoption and more.

• All adoptive families with American Adoptions are thoroughly screened to ensure they are fully prepared to provide a safe, stable, loving home for an adopted child.

• Adoption is always an option for you, regardless of how far along you are in your unplanned pregnancy or even if your baby has already been born. You can make an adoption plan no matter what your circumstances are.

These are just a few of the benefits of adoption to consider as you explore your Tennessee unplanned pregnancy options. If you think that adoption might be a good choice for you and your baby, you can contact American Adoptions at any time to start the process. Your adoption specialist will be there to guide you every step of the way and can provide the education and support you need as you plan your child’s future.

To learn more about your unplanned pregnancy options in Tennessee, or to talk with a trained professional who may be able to help you come to your decision, call 1-800-ADOPTION any time. 

Disclaimer
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