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If you’re not ready to be a parent, how do you choose between adoption vs. abortion? This article gives you some unbiased advice as you consider your options.

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Not Ready to Parent – How to Decide Between Abortion vs. Adoption

Deciding what to do about an unplanned pregnancy can be difficult — in fact, it may be one of the most difficult decisions a woman can face. But for some women in this situation, they know one thing for certain: parenting is simply not an option for them.

Whether it’s because of financial concerns, your current circumstances, the goals you’re working toward or because you simply don’t want to raise a child right now, it’s perfectly okay if you decide that you’re not ready to parent.

However, deciding between your other two options may be more difficult. If you are debating between adoption vs. abortion and feel overwhelmed by your choice, read on for the information you need to help you make a decision.

1. Abortion vs. Adoption: Your Life, Your Choice

If you are deciding between abortion and adoption, the first and most important thing you should know is that this is your choice and yours alone. You are the only person who knows what is best for you and your baby in your individual circumstances.

Choosing abortion or adoption is an incredibly personal decision, and no one knows you or your situation like you do — not your parents, your friends, your counselor, your religious leader or even your baby’s father. As you consider abortion, adoption and even parenting, the most important factor to keep in mind is your personal beliefs about what is best in your position.

2. Learn the Facts About Adoption and Abortion

Part of making an informed decision about your unplanned pregnancy options is having all of the facts. As you consider adoption instead of abortion or vice versa, here are the facts you need to know:

Facts about Abortion

Facts about Adoption

3. Know the Truth Behind Common Myths

There are many widespread misconceptions out there about adoption and abortion, and sometimes, a woman ends up choosing abortion over adoption or deciding on adoption rather than abortion based on false assumptions or misinformation. Here are some common myths about abortion and adoption to be aware of:

Myths About Adoption

Myths About Abortion

Of course, this is just a short list of the many myths about adoption and abortion. As you make this decision, it is important to do thorough research to ensure you’re making your choice based on the facts — not a false portrayal or biased opinion about your options.

4. Weigh the Pros and Cons

When faced with an unplanned pregnancy, adoption and abortion share many of the same advantages:

They also share many of the same challenges — adoption and abortion are both emotionally difficult decisions to make. You may experience feelings of grief and loss, regardless of which option you choose.

But there are also some unique advantages of choosing adoption over abortion and vice versa; which you choose will ultimately depend on your individual circumstances and priorities. Here, learn more about some common reasons for adoption instead of abortion, as well as some advantages of abortion over adoption.

Why Choose Abortion Instead of Adoption?

While adoption and abortion are both alternatives to raising a baby before you are ready, they are still very different processes with very different effects. Ultimately, many women choose abortion over adoption for some of the following reasons:

Why Choose Adoption Over Abortion?

On the other hand, some women decide that adoption, not abortion, is the right choice for them when faced with an unplanned pregnancy. There are many reasons why a woman may end up putting a child up for adoption instead of abortion; here are some of the advantages of adoption over abortion for the women who choose this path:

5. Get Help with Your Decision

Remember, the question isn’t whether adoption is “better” than abortion or abortion is “better” than adoption — the question is which option is better for you. Every woman’s situation is different, and you are the only person who can decide what’s right in your circumstances.

However, you do not have to make this decision alone. Professional options counselors can give you the information and support you need as you consider adoption vs. abortion. If you need help making your decision, contact an adoption agency, abortion clinic or pregnancy center for free and with no obligation.