Help, I’m a Pregnant Teen Considering Adoption

When you find yourself unexpectedly pregnant as a teen, you need to know that you always have the right to choose what is best for you and your baby. Regardless of your status as a minor, adoption for a teenage pregnancy is always an option.

Here, you will learn about the benefits adoption provides you and your baby, as well as the options you have available during your teenage pregnancy.

If you would like to speak with an adoption specialist about your options, you can contact a professional online.

Your 3 Teenage Unplanned Pregnancy Options

When you are facing an unplanned pregnancy as a teen, generally speaking, you have three options for your pregnancy.

Why Do Teens Give Their Baby Up for Adoption?

There are many reasons that pregnant teens choose to place their baby for adoption. Your reason for choosing adoption is personal to you.

Teens who choose adoption are brave and selfless, regardless of why they chose adoption. Here is a list of some common reasons that teens choose adoption for their baby:

• They aren’t in a physically, mentally, emotionally, or financially stable place in their lives as a teenager, so they’re unable to provide for a child.
• They want to provide their baby with a loving family who is ready and waiting for a child
• They don’t want to end their education or career goals in order to raise a child.
• They don’t feel comfortable with abortion, or abortion is not a viable option in their situation.

These are just a few of the reasons a teenager facing an unplanned pregnancy may consider adoption. No matter where you are in your pregnancy or the decision-making process, you can always contact a professional to learn more about your options.

How to Put a Baby Up for Adoption if You Are a Teen

The process of placing a baby for adoption can be broken down into seven basic steps.

Adoption helps create a life of love and opportunity for your baby. If you have questions or would like to begin your adoption journey, you can contact a specialist for the information you need or to get started.

Legal Facts about Teenage Adoption

When you give birth to a baby, that baby belongs to you unless you consent to sign adoption paperwork as a teenage mother. If an adoption takes place due to coercion or under duress, the court can decide to nullify the adoption.

On the other hand, if you freely choose adoption for your baby as a teenager, you must know the parental consent for adoption laws in your state regarding minors’ rights. Here’s a rundown of state legal rulings for teenager adoption:

• 28 states and D.C. allow minors to consent to place their baby for adoption.
• 12 states make no distinction between minor and adult parents, which means any woman, regardless of age, can choose adoption for her baby.
• Five states require minors to be represented by legal counsel in adoption hearings.
• Four states require a minor’s parents to consent to adoption.
• One state requires that parents be notified when a minor chooses to place a child for adoption.

This goes to show that many states support you and your decision as a pregnant teen to choose adoption for your baby. It also goes to show the importance of understanding the adoption process in your state.

Teen Adoption by Age

When you’re a teenager, you’re likely receiving most of your support from your parents or legal guardians. Experiencing an unplanned pregnancy as a teenager can affect your physical, emotional, and day-to-day life, as well as the emotions and finances of your parents or guardians.

Choosing to place a baby for adoption when you’re 14 is different than when you’re 19. You have different needs at different ages and your situation likely changes at different stages of your life.

Here are some things to consider as you think about adoption based on your current age.

I’m 15, Should I Keep My Baby?

Only you can decide what is best for you and your baby. If you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy at age 15, you don’t have to keep your baby if you don’t want to.

If you choose adoption for your baby at age 15, you should know the parental consent for adoption laws in your state. You can always contact an adoption professional online, at any time, to ask questions about placing your baby for adoption.

If your pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, it is in your best interest to talk to a trusted adult and/or contact the authorities as soon as possible.

Pregnant at 16, What Do I Do?

At age 16, you may have begun experiencing a few freedoms associated with adulthood, like driving and getting a job. If you find yourself unexpectedly pregnant at 16, this freedom can seem to be taken away from you.

As a prospective teen birth mother, you have the freedom to choose what is best for you and your baby.

It is important to have support for your unplanned pregnancy decision at age 16. No matter where you are in the decision-making process, talking to a professional is a great step in the right direction.

If your pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, it is in your best interest to talk to a trusted adult and/or contact the authorities as soon as possible.

Should I Keep My Baby When I’m 18 Years Old?

At 18, you’re at the doorstep of adulthood. You may be entering college or having your first full-time job. This is a time for you to grow and get to know who you are, but when you’re experiencing an unplanned pregnancy at 18, you may feel pressured to raise your child.

Yes, you’re legally an adult, but that doesn’t mean that you’re ready, willing, or able to become a parent right now.

At 18, there are no parental consent or notification laws in the U.S. for choosing abortion or adoption at 18. You can benefit from creating a support team of family, friends, and even your baby’s father to help you weigh the pros and cons of your unplanned pregnancy options at age 18. Your adult life is just beginning, and you don’t have to put it on hold to raise a child if you’re not ready for parenting right now.

Click here to connect with an adoption professional online when you’re ready.

I’m 19, Should I Keep My Baby?

At 19, you’re probably still learning about yourself through school, work and/or travel. This is a time when many teens begin forging a path for their lives.

An unplanned pregnancy at 19 can feel like a huge obstacle in your life, but you are not alone.

There are always families waiting to bring a child into their homes through adoption. You can give the gift of love to hopeful parents and the best possible future for your baby.

You can contact an adoption professional online at any time to learn more about adoption and to begin your adoption process.