Finding out you’re pregnant isn’t always great news. There are so many factors that can contribute to this feeling such as timing, finances, and relationship status. A baby is a great responsibility and should not be taken lightly. Deciding whether or not to keep your baby is a big decision and will have a lasting effect on your life. “Should I keep My Baby?” is a question only you and the father of the child can answer. It’s important that you you both come to a decision that you will both be happy with.
Things You Should Consider Before Making a Decision
- Are you able to love and care for a child?
- Commitment as a parent
- Financial stability
- Relationship status
- Mental health
- Emotional health
- Support system
- Are you being pressured into having an abortion or keeping the baby?
- Is the pregnancy life threatening?
- How do you feel about abortion?
What Are Your Options?
1. Adoption
Adoption is one of the best options when deciding, “Should I Keep My Baby?” In most cases it’s a decision that can be reversed in the event that you change your mind. If you know that you are not able to love and care for a baby, they can be placed with a family who can. It also does not require the termination of the pregnancy. If the father doesn’t want anything to do with the baby or the pregnancy, you can put your child up for adoption without his participation. There are several forms of adoption. There are open, semi-open, and closed. You can determine what adoption plan will work best for you and your baby. You can contact an adoption agency to give legal custody to them. They then will find a suitable family for your child.
2. Temporary Guardianship
If you want to keep your baby but can not do so after giving birth, you can apply for a temporary guardianship. A temporary guardianship is where someone is appointed custody over your child for a short period of time. A temporary guardianship usually lasts anywhere from thirty to one hundred eighty days. There is a permanent guardianship where your child will become a ward of the state. With this decision, your child will be a foster child until they reach adulthood unless they are adopted. For more information on guardianships, visit Verywell Family.
3.Seek Help From Family or Friends
If you do not want to go through the legal process of a guardianship, you can ask your family or friends can they keep your child until you are able to care for them. Doing this takes the legality out of the situation. However, you will need to have an agreement in place such as are you going to contribute financially, emotionally, and how long they will keep your child.
4. Abortion
Abortion is the most permanent choice that you can make. Once an abortion is completed, there is no reversing the procedure. Even with a closed adoption you can look for your child once they are of age. With a guardianship, you could win back the custody of your child. Before you choose to have an abortion, make sure that you are one hundred percent sure about your decision. Although it is your body, the father should have some say in this decision. If the father is willing to take the child and love and raise them, you can sign over your parental rights to him. It’s important that you be a fair advocate for you and your baby.
What to Remember
Choosing whether or not to keep your baby is a difficult one. No matter what option you choose, you must make sure that you are able to live with what ever path you choose to take. You should not let pressure from others affect your decision. If you are having difficulty making the decision, seek unbiased help at Planned Parenthood. No matter what you choose, no one should make you feel bad or less than about your choice.
