Most sixteen-year old girls never think about teen pregnancy and adoptions. When I was 16 and found out I was pregnant, I felt my future was beginning to fall apart. My emotions were being crushed in a meat grinder and I never felt so lost. If you are in this situation I completely understand what you are going through. But teenage pregnancy and adoption choices are more accessible than 39 years ago when I went through this. I never thought when I was sixteen I would be a birth mother to a beautiful baby boy.

 

Teen Pregnancy – Making a Decision

During this chaotic time you need to focus on the needs of your baby. No teen pregnancy is easy, but you have to try to fight through the emotions and reach some rational decisions. What really helped me to make a list of the pros and cons for giving my son up for adoption or keeping him. This was difficult for me because for the first time in my life I had to consider what was best for someone other than myself. My baby’s needs had to come before mine.

If you have a strong support group they will be there for you when you need some advice or just a shoulder to cry on. If you find yourself without support there are online forums and organizations that will help get answers to any questions you may have. But, when you need that shoulder to cry on they won’t be much help.

Teen Pregnancy and Adoption – Tough Love

No matter what situation you find yourself in one thing is constant if you choose to adopt your child out…your heart will break. It is going to be tough, but always remember you are doing what is best for your baby. It is the hope of all parents that they can provide a loving and stable home for their children. Children thrive in a stable environment and few teenagers can provide that, one more difficult situation regarding teen pregnancy.

Things are so much better now for adopting out a child then it was for me 39 years ago. Now you can get in touch with a variety of family services that will help with these decisions and provide guidance for the steps to become a birth parent.

• Let you choose the tempo of the adoption. In addition it will be your decision as to when and how you will meet the adopting parents. How you communicate with them will also be your choice.

• Help you decide which type of adopting couples you choose to consider as prospective parents for your child. The final choice will be yours.

• You will work in conjunction with the adoptive parents in determining how you would stay in touch after the birth of the child. You may want to communicate by email, photos, or arranged visits. This will be a decision agreed upon by both parties, always keeping in mind what is best for the child’s future.

Teen Pregnancy and Responsibility

This may be the first time in life where you need to be and feel responsible. Don’t try to pass this off to your parents, siblings, or anyone else. This decision is ultimately yours so come to the wisest decision possible for you at this crucial time in your life. At this moment you are the parent of this child and are therefore responsible to provide for the future of your baby. You naturally want your child to live a safe, happy, and secure life. And this is where the tears and heartache come raining down on you — you may simply not be able to give your child all those things.

A decision of this magnitude requires a great deal of responsibility and courage. I know how difficult it can be. I went through a teen pregnancy. And I applaud you for it.