In general, there are three options to choose from when you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy in Texas:

• Adoption

• Parenting

• Abortion

An unplanned pregnancy is one of the most disruptive surprises life can throw your way. Whether it’s because of school, your career, finances or relationships, you likely feel like there couldn’t be a worse time for this to happen. And that’s left you wondering what to do.

You can call 1-800-ADOPTION at any time for free adoption information that will help you understand how to choose adoption. You can request information about all of your Texas unplanned pregnancy options — not just adoption. We’re here to help in any way we can.

You can learn more about your Unwanted Pregnancy Options in Texas below.

Understanding Your Pregnancy Options in Texas

American Adoptions knows how important it is to feel like you have options to choose from during a time where you feel like you might not have much control. We believe that adoption is beneficial to the greatest number of people in an unplanned pregnancy situation, but we also know that adoption is not the right unplanned pregnancy option for everyone.

You never have to face an unplanned pregnancy alone. Our hotline is open 24/7, and we’re always available to listen and to connect you with whatever resources you need. We’re able to provide you with non-judgmental educational information about all of your unplanned pregnancy options in Texas — so you can contact us even if you just need some pregnancy support and guidance through a tough situation.

In the meantime, here are the basic facts about your three unplanned pregnancy options in Texas:

Choosing Adoption in Texas

Choosing adoption for your baby as your unplanned pregnancy option is a brave and selfless choice. By placing your baby for adoption, you are giving them a chance to have a life full of love and support they deserve. We understand that you want wants best for your child and that choosing adoption comes from a place of love.

When you work with a national adoption agency like American Adoptions, you will have access to many resources and services:

• 24/7 guidance and counseling. Our adoption counselors are available to you if you ever need an outlet or help coping with the complex emotions an unplanned pregnancy can bring — no matter what time of day.

• Financial assistance. As the birth parent, adoption is always free to you. We will work with you to determine what expenses you need help covering and will do everything we can to help.

• Complete control over your adoption plan. You deserve to be comfortable with your adoption plan. Our adoption specialists will facilitate everything for you, but you get to make all of your own decisions.

• The chance to find an amazing family. You can find a family that is perfect for your baby, giving your child the opportunity to live out the hopes and dreams you have for them.

“When you have the choice to give life and to make that life the best that it could be, I can’t imagine it any other way,” said Sara, a birth mother who chose adoption for her son through American Adoptions.

You can learn more about adoption as an unplanned pregnancy option in Texas by calling 1-800-ADOPTION for free adoption information. Ask questions and get answers. It’s free and confidential.

Choosing Abortion in Texas

Your doctor should be your first resource if you’re considering an abortion in Texas. Together, you can address your medical history and the abortion options available in your situation.

Your doctor will assess what stage you’re at in your pregnancy, which will determine the type of abortion procedure you’ll be able to access. Only women who aren’t very far along in their pregnancy are able to choose abortion in Texas as an unplanned pregnancy option; about 88 percent of abortions in the U.S. take place within the first several weeks of pregnancy in pill form. Most states don’t perform abortions after 20 weeks.

So, if you’re further along in your pregnancy, an abortion in Texas may not be an option for you. But, if abortion is an option that you want to pursue for your unplanned pregnancy, you should take some time to learn about Texas abortion laws and how they could affect you. The following abortion laws in Texas were in place as of January 1, 2017:

• You must wait 24 hours before the procedure is provided after receiving state-directed counseling.

• Parents of minors must be notified and give their consent before an abortion may be provided.

• Only instances of life endangerment, rape or incest will receive public funding.

• At least 24 hours before obtaining an abortion, the provider must show the woman her ultrasound.

• Only if the woman’s life is endangered may an abortion be performed at 20 weeks post-fertilization or more.

Do not rush into this decision if you are not ready, and if you do decide to move forward with abortion, choose a clinic carefully.  

Choosing to Parent Your Child in Texas

“Am I ready to be a parent?” This is the first question that many women ask themselves when they learn of their unexpected pregnancy. Only you can know the answer to that question.

First, you should consider the emotional and mental readiness required to parent a child. Talking to a counselor near you in TX may help.

Cost may also be a factor in your decision. It’s important to think about the financial resources required to raise a child. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that the average cost of raising a child for a middle-income married couple is around $245,000. The Thomson Healthcare study for March of Dimes estimated that the average cost of prenatal care and delivery alone is $8,800.

However, if you think you are mentally and emotionally ready to raise a child, there may be some financial resources that can help. For example, the Texas WIC program can help provide you with groceries and essentials, and the Texas Workforce Commission offers child care services to eligible low-income families. Other government-funded Texas benefit programs may offer financial relief for your bills, educational costs, and more. If you intend to parent and you’re uninsured, here are some tips to help lessen the costs of pregnancy and birth.

There are many other factors to consider as you make this decision, as well:

• Do you have the support system you will need to raise a baby right now?

• Do you have other goals for your future that you are willing to set aside as you make parenting your number one priority?

• What is your relationship with the father of the baby like?

• Are you ready for this lifelong connection to him?

Only you know the answers to these questions, and only you can decide whether or not parenting is right for you.

How to Choose Between Your Texas Pregnancy Options

No matter what you choose for an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy in Texas, you deserve support. It’s not a decision that anyone takes lightly.

Never let anyone push you into a decision that isn’t 100 percent your own. You’re the only one who can decide what’s best for you when considering your pregnancy options in Texas.

Conduct your research about parenting, abortion, and adoption in Texas carefully. If you still have questions, call us to discuss your Texas unplanned pregnancy options at 1-800-ADOPTION, or you get free information online. 

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.