If you’re pregnant, you have three options to think about — abortion, adoption, and parenting. Learning about each option will help you get the factsand may help you decide what to do.
Raising a Child. Being a parent can be a wonderful experience. It can help people grow and understand themselves better. A child canbring joy into people’s lives. However, being a teen parent is often very difficult. Raising a child involves major commitments in time and money. Teensoften have to put school and career plans on hold in order to raise a child. Spending time with a child takes priority over going out with friends andhaving fun. The children of teen parents may have a harder time growing up than children who are raised by adults. Raising a child without a partner canbe even more of a challenge. Learn more about parenting.
Placing a Child for Adoption. Many women who make this choice are happy knowing that their children are loved and living in good homes.And some feel empowered in their role as birth mother. But some women find that the sense of loss is deeper and longer lasting than they expected. Adoptionlaws are different in every state. Find out in advance what they are in your state. You will also need to find out what rights a birth father has in yourstate. You may need his consent in order to plan an adoption. Learn more about adoption.
Having an Abortion. Abortion is a legal and safe procedure. Most women say that early abortion feels like menstrual cramps. Some sayit feels very uncomfortable. Others feel very little physical discomfort. Serious, long-term emotional problems after abortion are rare. Most women feelrelieved. Some women experience anger, regret, guilt, or sadness for a short time. Many teenagers want to consult their parents before an abortion. Buttelling a parent is not required in all states. Find out what the laws are in your state. Learn more about abortion.
Acknowledgement: This fact sheet was adapted from PlannedParenthood.org, a website that provides education about reproductive and sexual health.
