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How to Deal with an Unwanted Pregnancy as a Man

Adoption Can Create a Better Future for Everyone Involved

There are plenty of reasons you may not be ready to handle an unwanted pregnancy as a man, let alone raise a child. The good news is that you have options, starting with the choice of adoption. 

  • Adoption is always an option. 
  • When parenting isn’t possible because of your circumstances or relationship status, you can find an adoptive family capable of providing a loving and stable home for your child. 
  • Adoption creates a better future for everyone involved. 

There are ways an expectant mother and man to deal with an unplanned pregnancy together. Accidentally becoming pregnant is a massive life event, but you can take this unexpected news and make the best of it — for you, her and the baby. 
 

Here, we’ll provide some basic information about unwanted pregnancy as a father so you and your baby’s mother can start discussing your options. If you have additional questions about men and unwanted pregnancy or are searching for unwanted pregnancy advice for men, you can reach an adoption specialist and get more information at any time by completing this form

Can a Man Choose Adoption for an Unwanted Pregnancy? 

When you’re thinking about how to deal with an unwanted pregnancy as a man, it’s important to start with this question. As the father of the baby, you and the mother will both have parental rights to the baby after birth. How these rights materialize will depend on several factors, like your relationship to the mother and your ability to fulfill parental responsibilities. 
 

The way parental rights affect decision-making about an unwanted pregnancy often comes down to a case-by-case basis. This is something you’ll want to discuss with an attorney, especially if you have questions about your parental rights. 

When you work with a licensed adoption agency, you can get connected with ethical and experienced adoption attorneys who understand how to navigate state adoption laws and parental rights in adoption. You can get more information on how to find an adoption agency and work with the best adoption professionals by completing this form
 

You can both make the decision together if you and the mother are on the same page. In that case, these questions become much easier to answer. If, however, you have different ideas about how to handle the unwanted pregnancy as a male, remember that this is ultimately about her body.  

While it’s your baby, too, she is the one that carries the child and feels the most drastic impacts of the pregnancy. As such, it’s important to respect her decisions, even if they may be different from yours. 
 

Regardless of if you agree on the best path forward, you should do everything possible to support the mother of the baby. As the father, you have a responsibility to her and the baby.  

You are already taking a responsible step forward by taking the time to research your options for how to deal with an unplanned pregnancy as a male. Being involved and encouraging throughout this whole unplanned pregnancy is the best thing you can do. 

Finding out She’s Pregnant: How Adoption Creates a Better Future 

How do you deal with an unwanted pregnancy as a man? “What is the father’s role in an unwanted pregnancy? 
 

These may not be the questions you pictured yourself asking at this time in your life. But knowing the options is the best first step toward dealing with an unwanted pregnancy as a man.  

Choosing adoption can be a way to do what is best for yourself and your child. Through the adoption process, you can give your baby the chance to grow up in a loving family and have a life full of opportunity.  

You and the mother can also experience the benefits of adoption, which include:

If you and the baby’s mother decide that adoption is the best path forward for the three of you, an adoption specialist will be happy to guide you both through every step of the process. You can reach an adoption specialist any time to start the process or ask questions by completing this form to get more free information online.  

Parenting 

The first choice many couples consider is parenting. Even though it may initially seem impossible, it’s important to think through this possibility. Fatherhood might not have been a part of your plan, but many couples do successfully parent following an unplanned pregnancy. 
 

If financial pressure is the primary factor, there are public programs you can access for help with things like food, housing, medicine and even preschool. However, there may be other contributing factors, as well. After you’ve taken it all into account and discussed this with the mother, you may conclude that parenting won’t work.  

If she comes to the same conclusion, you can move on to other unplanned pregnancy options. If, however, she does want to parent, then you could still be responsible for child support payments and other obligations. 
 

If you decide against parenting as a man dealing with an unplanned pregnancy, the next two options are adoption and abortion. Each is an unplanned pregnancy option that avoids the pressures of parenting. 

Abortion 

Alternatively, abortion may be a possibility, depending on where you live and how far along the pregnancy is. Each state has different abortion laws, and if your partner may want an abortion, you should research those laws in your state. It is important to keep in mind that, if you are the father of the baby, abortion is not your choice.  

This unplanned pregnancy option is entirely up to your partner. If she feels it is best, she deserves your support. If she doesn’t want to get an abortion, she should never be pressured into one. 
 

No matter which of these three options you prefer, it’s best to go over them together with the mother of the baby, if possible. Listen to her and support her desires, as she knows better than anyone which option is going to be best for her and the baby.  

Are You Ready to Get More Information on Adoption? 

An unwanted pregnancy as a man can be confusing, overwhelming and leave you wondering what role you play in decision-making.  

As a man facing an unwanted pregnancy, your first step should be supporting the mother of your baby and talking through your circumstance together. However, you don’t have to go through this journey on your own, either.  

Help from experienced and trusted adoption specialists is available to you and you can start by contacting a professional at any time to receive free unwanted pregnancy advice for men in your situation. 
 

An adoption specialist will listen to your questions and help you understand all of your options for how to deal with an unwanted pregnancy as a man. If you and your partner do think adoption is the best choice, these specialists can help you get the process started