I Am Pregnant and Don’t Know What to Do in Delaware [3 Options]
If you’re pregnant and don’t know what to do, you might feel overwhelmed or scared. This wasn’t part of the plan. But now you need to decide how to move forward.
This article presents your unplanned pregnancy options in Delaware: parenting, abortion and adoption. We’ll also cover local resources and who you can talk to. If you want more free information or just need someone to listen, fill out our form today.
Pregnant and Don’t Know What to Do? Here’s Where You Should Start
“I got pregnant by accident.” Saying that out loud, even just to yourself, can feel heavy.
What matters now is what you do next. You don’t need to have all the answers today. What you do need is accurate information and a moment to catch your breath.
Here’s where to start:
1. Confirm the pregnancy. If you haven’t already, take another test or visit a clinic to confirm. Some offer free or low-cost testing.
2. Reach out for support. You may want to speak with a trusted friend, schedule an appointment with a counselor or utilize a hotline.
3. Take time to think. You may be navigating shock, fear, anger or confusion. Give yourself time to process your emotions and consider your options.
Your Unplanned Pregnancy Options in Delaware
When you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you have three main paths: parenting, abortion or adoption.
- Parenting means raising the child yourself, either on your own or with a partner, family or support system. It’s a full-time commitment, but it can be deeply fulfilling.
- Abortion is a medical procedure that ends the pregnancy. In Delaware, abortion is legal and accessible.
- Adoption means choosing a family to raise your child while you move forward with your life. It’s not about “giving up” — it’s about making a plan that honors both your needs and your child’s future.
The right choice is the one that feels true to you, your circumstances and your values.
Parenting After an Unplanned Pregnancy
Parenting after an unplanned pregnancy is possible, but it’s important to think through what it would really look like. You don’t need every detail figured out, just a sense of whether you’re ready for this right now.
Consider:
Your Financial Situation: Can you afford childcare, diapers, food, medical care and everything else that comes with raising a child? According to one study, it costs $23,804 per year to raise a child in Delaware.
Your Emotional Readiness: Are you in a place where you can care for a baby, both physically and emotionally? Do you have the support you need? Newborns typically require round-the-clock care.
Your Living Situation: Do you have a safe, stable home? Is your environment one where a child can thrive? Think about whether you have space for a baby’s needs.
Your Long-Term Goals: How would parenting impact school, work, relationships or other plans you have for your life? Many parents balance these responsibilities, but it requires significant adjustments.
Abortion in Delaware: Is It Legal?
Yes, abortion is legal in Delaware. Here’s what you need to know:
- You can get an abortion in Delaware until about 24 to 26 weeks of pregnancy.
- Medicaid and private insurance both cover abortion in Delaware.
- If you’re under 16, you must tell a parent or guardian 24 hours before the procedure.
Clinics in Delaware offer abortion services along with counseling before and after the procedure. The average cost of the abortion pill is about $580 while a surgical abortion can range from $600 to $2,000 depending on how far along you are.
How Adoption Works for Someone Who Isn’t Ready to Parent
Adoption is one of your options if you’re pregnant and don’t want it. It involves choosing a family to raise your child in a safe, loving home. It’s never too late to choose adoption, even if you’re already in your third trimester.
Here’s what adoption involves:
Choosing the Adoptive Family: You can review profiles, meet potential families and select the one that feels right.
Financial Assistance: You can get help with court costs and legal fees.
Free Counseling: You’ll have someone to talk to, no matter what time of day or night.
Ongoing Contact: You can keep in touch with your baby and their adoptive family through letters, texts, social media, in-person visits and more. You decide what level of contact feels right.
Adoption isn’t about giving up. It’s about making a plan that works for both you and your child. If you want to learn more, reach out for free information.
Can I Make an Adoption Plan Without Telling the Father?
In most cases, the father’s consent is required for adoption. However, if the father is unknown or uninvolved, you may be able to move forward without him. If this is a concern, an adoption agency can connect you with a free attorney who can explain your options.
Got Pregnant by Accident? Here’s How to Make the Right Decision for You
There is no singular “right” answer. It all depends on your needs, situation and dreams for the future. Here’s what you can do to think through this important decision:
- Consider your values. What matters most to you right now? Your education? Your career? Your mental health? Your family?
- Think about timing. Are you in a place where you can take on the responsibility of parenting? Do you need more time to build stability in your life?
- Look at your support system. Who can you count on? Who will actually show up?
- Trust your gut. You know your life better than anyone else. If something feels wrong, pay attention to that feeling.
Who Can I Talk to About an Unplanned Pregnancy?
An unplanned pregnancy counselor is someone who can help you think through your options for unplanned pregnancy without pushing you toward any specific choice. They’re trained to listen, provide information and support you through the decision-making process.
You can call 1-800-236-7846 at any time to speak with an unplanned pregnancy counselor. This hotline is free, confidential and nonjudgmental.
What Help Is Available for Pregnant Women in Delaware?
Wondering where to go for help in Delaware? Here are some local resources:
- Planned Parenthood (Dover, Newark, Seaford, Wilmington): These clinics offer pregnancy testing, counseling and reproductive health services.
- Westside Family Healthcare (Bear, Dover, Newark, Wilmington): These healthcare facilities provide prenatal care and family planning services with reduced costs based on income.
- La Red Health Center (Georgetown, Milford, Seaford): This healthcare organizations offers low-cost women’s health services.
- Delaware Medicaid: This program provides healthcare coverage for low-income pregnant women.
- Healthy Women, Healthy Babies: This free program offers enhanced prenatal care, mental health support, nutrition services and help with social needs.
Finding Support
You’re not the first person to say, “I am pregnant and don’t know what to do.” And you likely won’t be the last. What matters is that you have someone to walk with you through this — someone who listens, respects your autonomy and helps you understand your options for unplanned pregnancy.
Whether you’re leaning toward parenting, abortion or adoption, we can help you get the support you need. Fill out our form to get started.