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Facing an unplanned pregnancy alone can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re pregnant with no support from the father. If you’re pregnant and...

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I’m Pregnant With No Support From the Father in Arkansas: Can I Choose Adoption?

Facing an unplanned pregnancy alone can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re pregnant with no support from the father. If you’re pregnant and the father is ignoring you, or if you’re pregnant and don’t know who the father is, we want you to know you’re not facing this alone.

Many women across Arkansas find themselves in similar situations, and we’re here to help you understand your options without judgment or pressure. You deserve to make the decision that’s right for you and your baby.

Whether the father has disappeared, is denying involvement, or you simply aren’t in a relationship with the father, adoption can still be a beautiful, empowering choice—and one that’s legally possible in Arkansas even when you’re pregnant with no support from the father.

What Are My Options If I’m Pregnant and Alone?

When you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy without support, we want to make sure you understand all three paths available to you:

Each path is deeply personal, and only you can determine which feels right. We’re here to provide information and support for whatever decision you make, not to push you in any direction.

Can I Choose Adoption Without the Father’s Involvement in Arkansas?

Yes—in many circumstances, you can move forward with an adoption plan even if the father is absent, uninvolved, or unsupportive.

While Arkansas law does require birth father consent in certain situations, there are several exceptions that may apply to you. A father’s consent is not required if he has abandoned the child, failed to provide support for at least one year, has not established a significant relationship with you or the baby, is not listed on the Arkansas Putative Father Registry, cannot be located after reasonable efforts, or failed to support you during the pregnancy.

An adoption agency can connect you with a reputable adoption attorney in Arkansas who will help determine whether the father’s consent is required in your specific situation. In many cases where fathers are uninvolved or unsupportive, Arkansas law allows adoption to proceed without their consent.

How Does Adoption Work If I Don’t Know Who the Father Is?

If you’re pregnant and don’t know who the father is, adoption is still an option available to you. Arkansas law understands that not all women can identify the father of their child, and the adoption process can move forward in these circumstances.

Your adoption attorney will conduct a reasonable search to identify and notify potential fathers, including checking the Arkansas Putative Father Registry. If the father truly cannot be identified despite reasonable efforts, Arkansas law allows the adoption to proceed.

Adoption attorneys handle these situations regularly with sensitivity and legal expertise. Not knowing who the father is does not mean you cannot choose adoption.

Can I Still Choose Adoption If the Father Disagrees?

This situation is more complex, but adoption may still be possible depending on the father’s legal standing and involvement.

Simply being the biological father doesn’t automatically grant legal rights in Arkansas. An unmarried father must take specific steps to establish legal paternity, such as signing an acknowledgment of paternity, registering with the Putative Father Registry, or obtaining a court order.

Even if a father objects, Arkansas courts consider his level of involvement. If he has not provided financial support, maintained regular contact, or established a meaningful relationship during your pregnancy, his rights may be limited.

If the father disagrees with your adoption plan, an adoption attorney can help navigate this situation and advocate for your rights. While contested adoptions are more complex, they are not impossible.

What Support Is Available for Single Pregnant Women in Arkansas?

We want you to know about the resources available in Arkansas, whether you choose parenting, adoption, or another path.

Healthcare and Medical Support:

Financial Assistance:

Counseling and Emotional Support:

Adoption Agencies in Arkansas

If you’re considering adoption, working with a licensed agency ensures you receive professional guidance, legal support, and emotional counseling throughout the process.

American Adoptions of Arkansas in Rogers is a fully licensed national adoption agency with a local office in Arkansas. They offer 24/7 support, financial assistance for living and medical expenses, counseling services, and access to hundreds of waiting families across the country.

Gladney Center for Adoption in North Little Rock is an experienced adoption agency providing comprehensive services for birth mothers and adoptive families throughout Arkansas.

Both agencies can help you understand what adoption looks like and whether it’s the right path for you.

Is Adoption the Right Path for Me and My Baby?

Choosing adoption means giving your baby the opportunity for a stable, loving home while pursuing your own life goals. It’s a decision made from love and thoughtfulness about what you want for your child’s future.

Benefits of choosing adoption include:

How to Cope Emotionally With an Unsupported Pregnancy

Facing pregnancy with no support can trigger feelings of isolation, fear, anxiety, and grief. It’s important to prioritize your emotional well-being during this time.

Reach out to trusted family members, friends, or faith community members who can provide emotional support. Consider working with a licensed counselor or therapist who specializes in pregnancy-related issues.

Online support communities can provide connection and understanding:

Taking care of yourself emotionally and physically is essential through gentle exercise, journaling, meditation, or activities that bring you peace. Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Next Steps: Who to Call, Where to Go, and How to Get Clarity

You don’t have to figure this out alone, and you don’t have to make any decisions right now. We’re here to help you explore your options and find clarity without pressure.

If you’re considering adoption:

If you’re weighing multiple options:

If you need immediate support:

You are not alone. Whether you choose adoption, parenting, or another path, compassionate professionals are here to support you every step of the way. Your feelings are valid, your concerns matter, and you deserve care and respect.Take the first step today—reach out for information, ask questions, and give yourself the gift of clarity. Whatever you decide, know that you are strong, capable, and deserving of support.