I Am Pregnant and Don’t Know What to Do in Maryland [3 Options]
The positive pregnancy test sits on the counter, and your mind is racing. Whatever your circumstances, one thing is clear: This wasn’t part of the plan. You’re probably thinking, “I’m pregnant and don’t know what to do.”
This guide walks through your three main unplanned pregnancy options in Maryland: parenting, abortion and adoption. We’ll cover what each path involves, what resources are available to you locally and how to make a decision that feels right for your life.
If you need more information, or if you’re ready to talk with someone who understands, fill out our short form. We’ll help you connect with an unplanned pregnancy counselor.
Pregnant and Don’t Know What to Do? Here’s Where You Should Start
After realizing you got pregnant by accident, you might feel pressured to figure everything out right away. But you don’t have to make any big decisions today. Give yourself time to breathe, feel what you’re feeling and explore your options.
If you just found out you’re pregnant, here’s what you should do first:
- Take care of yourself. Rest, eat when you can and let yourself process what’s happening.
- Confirm your pregnancy. A local clinic can help you know for sure and discuss your next steps.
- Talk to someone supportive. You don’t have to handle this alone.
Your Unplanned Pregnancy Options in Maryland
In Maryland, you have three primary paths: parenting, abortion or adoption.
- Parenting means raising the child yourself. It’s a big commitment that requires resources, support and planning.
- Abortion is legally protected in Maryland. You have options for ending the pregnancy if that’s what feels right for you.
- Adoption allows you to make a plan for someone else to raise the child. It’s not about “giving up” — it’s about making an intentional, loving choice.
There’s no wrong answer here. What matters is what works for you, your circumstances and your values.
Parenting After an Unplanned Pregnancy: What to Consider
Parenting is rewarding, but it’s also a serious commitment — emotionally, financially and logistically. If you’re thinking about raising your baby, it can help to take an honest look at what you’ll need. Can you afford childcare, diapers and medical costs? Do you have people you can rely on day to day? Is your living situation safe and stable?
If these things feel out of reach right now, that’s okay. Many women feel the same way. You can still explore programs that help with parenting costs, but it’s also okay to consider other paths.
Is Abortion Legal in Maryland? Here’s What You Need to Know About Your Rights
Yes, abortion is legal in Maryland, and your rights are protected under the state constitution. Here’s what you should know:
- Maryland does not restrict abortion based on how far along you are in your pregnancy.
- If you’re a minor, your provider must notify a parent or guardian. However, this requirement can be waived in certain situations.
- State Medicaid and private insurance plans cover abortion services.
If you want, you can talk with a licensed provider to understand what the process looks like for you. Just remember that you’re the only one who can decide what’s right for your body and your future.
Considering Adoption? Here’s What the Process Involves
Adoption is an active, intentional choice to create a better future for yourself and for your child.
Here’s how adoption works for someone who isn’t ready to parent:
Get financial assistance. Adoption agencies can help with pregnancy-related expenses like rent, utilities, groceries, medical bills and even maternity clothing.
Access 24/7 free counseling. You can message or call a counselor whenever you need to talk. This support continues after placement, too.
Choose the perfect family. You’ll review profiles of hopeful adoptive families and select the one that feels right to you.
Stay in touch after placement. You can choose how much contact you want with your baby and their adoptive family. You get to decide what feels comfortable.
And here’s something important: It’s never too late to choose adoption. Whether you’re in your first trimester, at the hospital or back at home with your baby, you can still make an adoption plan.
Can I Make an Adoption Plan Without Telling the Father?
In most cases, the biological father has legal rights that need to be addressed during an adoption. However, if you don’t know who the father is or you have safety concerns about contacting him, an adoption attorney can help you navigate Maryland’s laws.
Got Pregnant by Accident? How to Make the Right Decision for Your Life
Making a decision about an unplanned pregnancy isn’t about what other people think you should do. It’s about what actually works for your life.
Start by asking yourself some honest questions:
- What are my long-term goals, and how would they change?
- What kind of support system do I have right now?
- How do I feel about parenting at this stage of my life?
- What are my financial realities, and can they support a child?
- What feels right, even if it’s complicated?
It’s okay to weigh your options if you’re pregnant and don’t want it. Sometimes the answer takes time to settle.
Who Can I Talk to About an Unplanned Pregnancy?
Want to talk through your options for an unplanned pregnancy? A counselor won’t push you toward any one decision. Instead, they’ll help you understand what each path looks like, answer your questions and connect you with resources.
You can reach a free, confidential 24/7 hotline at 1-800-236-7846. This line is available any time of day or night.
What Help Is Available for Pregnant Women in Maryland?
If you’re not sure where to get help without insurance, here are some local resources you can access right now:
Planned Parenthood (Annapolis, Baltimore, Easton, Frederick, Pikesville, Towson, Waldorf): You can get pregnancy testing, options counseling, prenatal referrals and abortion services at a Planned Parenthood clinic. Many locations accept Medicaid and offer a sliding-fee scale for patients without insurance.
Baltimore Medical System (Baltimore, Greenbelt, Rosedale): This organization offers pregnancy testing, prenatal care and family planning at its community health centers. Care is available on a sliding-fee scale, and they will work with you even if you can’t pay in full.
Total Health Care (Baltimore, Odenton): Total Health Care provides prenatal and postpartum care, OB-GYN services and childbirth support. As a community health center, it uses an income-based sliding scale and serves patients regardless of ability to pay.
Chase Brexton Health Care (Baltimore, Columbia, Easton, Glen Burnie, Windsor Mil): Chase Brexton offers pregnancy testing, prenatal and postpartum care and new-parent support resources. Uninsured patients can qualify for reduced costs through the clinic’s sliding-fee program.
HealthChoice: Need help but don’t have insurance? You may qualify for Maryland’s Medicaid program depending on your income, age, family size and disability or pregnancy status.
Where to Start When You Need Support
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Whether you’re leaning toward parenting, abortion, or adoption, there are people ready to help you explore your options for an unplanned pregnancy.
Fill out our form to get free information and connect with someone who understands. You deserve support that respects your choices and honors where you are right now.