I Am Pregnant and Don’t Know What to Do: Unplanned Pregnancy Options in Arkansas
If you just saw a positive pregnancy test and thought, “I am pregnant and don’t know what to do,” you’re not alone. The shock, fear, and uncertainty you feel are completely normal reactions to an unplanned pregnancy.
You don’t need everything figured out today. Right now, just focus on confirming your pregnancy and giving yourself time to process. Whatever you’re feeling is valid. This is your pregnancy, your choice, and your timeline.
First Step: Confirm Your Pregnancy Medically
A positive home test is a strong indicator, but medical confirmation provides important information about timing and next steps. A healthcare provider can determine how far along you are, which affects what options remain available.
Where to get free pregnancy confirmation in Arkansas:
- Local Health Units: Arkansas has health units in every county. Find your county health unit.
- Community Health Centers: Over 200 locations provide pregnancy testing regardless of insurance.
- Pregnancy Resource Centers: Arkansas Pregnancy Resource Center (Little Rock), Caring Hearts Pregnancy Center (Little Rock and North Little Rock), and LifeChoices (Conway) offer free tests and ultrasounds.
Understanding Your Unplanned Pregnancy Options in Arkansas
Once you’ve confirmed your pregnancy, you have three main paths forward.
Your options for unplanned pregnancy are:
- Parenting: Raising your baby yourself or with partner/family support
- Abortion: Currently illegal in Arkansas except to save the mother’s life
- Adoption: Placing your baby with an adoptive family you choose
No option is inherently right or wrong. The best choice depends on your specific situation, values, and what feels right for you.
What to Know About Parenting After an Unplanned Pregnancy
If you’re considering parenting but worried about whether you’re ready, you’re not alone. Many women who got pregnant by accident become loving, capable parents with the right support.
Financial and practical support available in Arkansas:
- Arkansas Medicaid (ARKids First): Covers pregnancy-related care and pediatric care for eligible families
- WIC: Free nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, and nutrition education. Income limit is 185% of poverty level.
- SNAP: Helps with grocery costs
- Transitional Employment Assistance: Cash assistance for families in need
- Local pregnancy resource centers: Offer parenting classes, baby supplies, and material assistance
Apply for Arkansas benefits online for assistance with Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, and other programs.
Is Abortion Legal in Arkansas? Here’s What You Need to Know About Your Rights and Access
Arkansas has some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country. Understanding what’s legal helps you make informed decisions about your options if you’re pregnant and don’t want it.
Current Arkansas abortion law:
Arkansas currently bans all abortions except when necessary to save the pregnant person’s life in a medical emergency. There are no exceptions for rape, incest, fetal abnormalities, or mental health. Arkansas had a “trigger law” that took effect when Roe v. Wade was overturned in June 2022. There are currently no abortion providers operating in Arkansas.
If you’re considering abortion:
Many Arkansas residents travel to neighboring states where abortion remains legal. Arkansas Abortion Support Network (AASN) provides funding, transportation support, and resources at contact@arabortionsupport.org.
If you’re weighing whether abortion or adoption makes more sense, this guide can help you think through both options.
Considering Adoption? What It Really Means
Adoption isn’t giving up. It’s making an active, loving choice to give your baby a life you want them to have. If you just found out you’re pregnant and aren’t ready to parent, adoption might be worth considering.
What makes adoption different today:
You choose the family. You review profiles and select parents who match your values. Open adoption is possible with ongoing contact through letters, photos, or visits. It’s completely free to you, and you may receive help with pregnancy expenses. You’re supported throughout with counseling and guidance.
How Adoption Supports Pregnant Women in Arkansas
Choosing adoption means accessing comprehensive support throughout your pregnancy and beyond. Financial assistance and counseling are available.
Support available through adoption:
- Financial assistance: Help with rent, utilities, groceries, maternity clothes, and transportation
- Free counseling: 24/7 access to licensed counselors before and after placement
- You choose the family: Review profiles and select parents based on what matters most
- Open adoption options: Arrange ongoing contact at whatever level feels comfortable
- Legal support: Experienced adoption attorneys guide you at no cost
- Post-placement support: Continued counseling and connection to other birth mothers
You can choose adoption at any point during pregnancy or after birth.
Resources for Adoption in Arkansas
National adoption agencies serving Arkansas:
For more information, visit consideringadoption.com or adoptionagencies.com.
Not Sure What to Do About an Unplanned Pregnancy? Here’s How to Make the Right Decision for You
The “right” decision aligns with your values, circumstances, and vision for your future. If you’re thinking “I am pregnant and don’t know what to do,” these questions can help.
Questions to guide your decision:
What are your personal values around family and parenthood? Where are you in life right now – school, career, housing, relationship? What kind of support system do you have? What does your financial situation realistically look like? How do you envision your life one year from now? Five years from now?
Give yourself permission to feel conflicted, change your mind as you learn more, take the time you need, and ask for help.
Talk to Someone You Can Trust – Unplanned Pregnancy Counseling in Arkansas
Making this decision alone is harder than it needs to be. Talking with someone who understands unplanned pregnancy and won’t judge you can bring clarity. Professional counseling is available.
What an unplanned pregnancy counselor does:
They listen without judgment, provide accurate information about all options, help you think through practical and emotional considerations, connect you with resources, and support whatever decision feels right for you.
Where to find unplanned pregnancy counseling in Arkansas:
- American Adoptions: Available 24/7 to speak about your options, even if you’re just exploring
- Arkansas Pregnancy Resource Center (Little Rock)
- Caring Hearts Pregnancy Center (Little Rock/North Little Rock)
- LifeChoices (Conway)
Resources for Unplanned Pregnancies in Arkansas
Arkansas has resources available right now, whether you got pregnant by accident or you’re unsure what to do next.
Free pregnancy testing and counseling:
- Arkansas Pregnancy Resource Center (Little Rock)
- Caring Hearts Pregnancy Center (Little Rock and North Little Rock)
- LifeChoices (Conway)
- County Health Units (every county)
Healthcare and prenatal care:
- Arkansas Local Health Units
- Community Health Centers (200+ locations)
- Arkansas Medicaid
Financial assistance:
Adoption information:
Abortion access support:
- Arkansas Abortion Support Network: contact@arabortionsupport.org
You Deserve Support – Here’s Where to Start
If you’re pregnant and don’t know what to do, the most important first step is reaching out for support. You don’t have to make decisions right now. Just start by talking to someone who can help you understand your unplanned pregnancy options.
Contact us today to speak with an unplanned pregnancy counselor who can provide information about all your options, including parenting resources, adoption details, and support available throughout Arkansas. This is your pregnancy and your decision. You deserve accurate information, practical resources, and emotional support. Whatever you decide, you don’t have to do this alone.