I Am Pregnant and Don’t Know What to Do in Oregon [3 Options]
After seeing a positive pregnancy test, you might be thinking, “I am pregnant and don’t know what to do.” Maybe you’re feeling shocked, anxious or uncertain about what comes next. Whatever you’re feeling, just know that you have time to think.
This guide walks through your three main unplanned pregnancy options in Oregon: parenting, abortion and adoption. We’ll cover what each choice involves and how to make a decision that feels right for your life. If you need to talk with someone who understands, fill out our form for free, confidential support.
Pregnant and Don’t Know What to Do? Here’s Where to Start
If you just found out you’re pregnant, here’s what you should do first:
1. Take a deep breath. Give yourself permission to feel whatever you’re feeling. All of it is okay.
2. Confirm the pregnancy. Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider to confirm how far along you are and discuss any immediate health needs.
3. Reach out for support. You don’t have to process this alone. Whether it’s a trusted friend, family member or counselor, talking can help.
Many women feel overwhelmed when they first realize they got pregnant by accident. Right now, what matters most is taking care of yourself. You can take your time gathering information and finding people who will listen without judgment.
Your Unplanned Pregnancy Options in Oregon
In Oregon, you have three primary paths forward:
- Parenting means raising the child yourself. This involves financial planning, securing childcare and making a long-term commitment to your child’s well-being.
- Abortion is legal and protected in Oregon. If you choose this path, you have access to safe medical care.
- Adoption allows you to create a plan for someone else to raise the child. This isn’t about “giving up” — it’s about making a deliberate choice about what’s best for you and for your baby.
Each of these unplanned pregnancy options is deeply personal. What works for one person may not work for another; only you can determine what feels right for your circumstances.
Parenting After an Unplanned Pregnancy: What to Consider
Before deciding to raise your child, consider these practical realities:
Finances: Can you afford diapers, childcare, medical expenses and housing? According to LendingTree, raising a child in Oregon costs about $26,107 per year. While Oregon has programs that can help with some expenses, most families still face significant budget pressures.
Support System: Do you have people who can help with day-to-day needs? Parenting is more manageable when you’re not doing it completely alone.
Life Goals: What were your plans before this pregnancy? Having a child doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning your education or career, but it does change the timeline.
Do these considerations feel overwhelming? It doesn’t mean you can’t be a good parent someday — just maybe not right now.
Abortion in Oregon: Understand Your Rights
Yes, abortion is fully legal and accessible in Oregon. The state has some of the most protective abortion laws in the country:
- Abortion is not restricted based on how far along you are.
- Both state Medicaid (Oregon Health Plan) and private insurance cover abortion services.
- Oregon has funds available to help cover abortion costs if you need financial help.
- State law protects anyone entering an abortion clinic from harassment or physical harm.
If you’re considering this option, you can find providers through Planned Parenthood or by searching for other clinics across the state.
Choosing Adoption: Here’s What the Process Involves
Adoption allows you to create a different future for both you and your child. It lets you move forward with your life while knowing your child is raised by parents who can provide what they need.
Here’s how adoption works for someone who isn’t ready to parent:
Get financial help and free counseling. You can get help with pregnancy-related costs like medical bills, legal fees and living expenses. This assistance is legal in Oregon and completely free to you. You’ll also have access to 24/7 counseling whenever you need to talk.
Choose the adoptive family. You’ll review profiles of waiting families and select the one that feels right to you. You can meet them before birth if you’d like.
Decide how much contact you want. Open adoption allows ongoing communication between you and your child’s adoptive family. You get to decide what level of contact feels comfortable, whether that’s photos and updates, video calls or in-person visits.
Remember: It’s never too late to choose adoption. Some expectant parents make this decision early in pregnancy, while others decide at the hospital or even after bringing the baby home. Whenever you’re ready, help is available.
Can I Make an Adoption Plan Without Telling the Father?
Oregon law typically requires notice to the biological father, but there are exceptions depending on your situation. If you don’t know who the father is, or if other circumstances make notification difficult, an adoption attorney can help you understand your rights and navigate the legal requirements.
Got Pregnant by Accident? Here’s How to Decide What’s Right for You
Asking yourself questions can help clarify which path makes the most sense for your life. If you’re pregnant and don’t want it, consider these factors:
- Values: What matters most to you right now? Your education? Financial stability? Your relationship? Your independence? There’s no wrong answer — just what feels true for you.
- Readiness: Are you in a place where you can take on parenting responsibilities? What are your financial realities, your living situation, your support system? These practical factors matter when making a decision that will affect the next 18-plus years.
- Support System: Who’s in your corner? Do you have people who will support your decision, whatever it is? If not, where can you find that support?
The right choice is the one that aligns with where you are right now, not where someone else thinks you should be. Trust yourself to know what feels right.
Who Can I Talk to About an Unplanned Pregnancy?
An unplanned pregnancy counselor is a trained professional who helps you explore all of your options for unplanned pregnancy without pushing you toward any particular choice. Their job isn’t to tell you what to do. It’s to listen, answer questions and help you think through what makes sense for your situation.
You can reach a free, confidential 24/7 hotline at 1-800-236-7846. This line is available any time you need to talk.
What Help Is Available for Pregnant Women in Oregon?
Here’s where you can go for pregnancy help without insurance:
- Planned Parenthood (Beaverton, Bend, Eugene, Grants Pass, Medford, Milwaukie, Ontario, Portland, Salem): Planned Parenthood provides pregnancy testing, options counseling, prenatal referrals and abortion services, with sliding-fee scales available for patients without insurance or with limited income.
- Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center (Beaverton, Cornelius, Hillsboro): This community health center offers comprehensive prenatal care, pregnancy testing and family planning services on a sliding-fee scale based on income.
- PeaceHealth (Cottage Grove, Creswell, Eugene, Florence, Pleasant Hill, Springfield): PeaceHealth clinics provide prenatal care, pregnancy counseling and obstetric services. Financial assistance programs are available for qualifying patients who are uninsured or underinsured.
- Santiam Hospital & Clinics (Aumsville, Mill City, Stayton, Sublimity): Santiam offers pregnancy testing, prenatal care and women’s health services, with payment plans and sliding-fee options to help make care affordable for all patients.
- Oregon Health Plan: Pregnant women in Oregon may qualify for free or low-cost health coverage through the state’s Medicaid program. Medicaid covers prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum services and other pregnancy-related healthcare needs.
Ready to Explore Your Options for Unplanned Pregnancy?
Whether you’re leaning toward parenting, abortion or adoption, you deserve clear information and compassionate guidance.
Fill out our form to connect with someone who can walk you through your choices and answer your questions.