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Unplanned Pregnancy Help by State

If you're pregnant and don't want it, this guide covers your options and how to take the next step that feels right for you.

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What if I’m Pregnant and Don’t Want to Be a Mom in Oregon?

If you’re pregnant but don’t want to be a mom, you’re facing a difficult decision. Maybe you’re in school, focused on building your career or dealing with personal circumstances. Whatever your reasons for not wanting to parent, they’re valid.

You don’t owe anyone an explanation for how you feel. Not everyone wants to be a parent, and even if you do want children, it may not be the right time to start a family.

This guide walks through your options if you’re pregnant and don’t want to be a mom. We’ll cover how abortion works in Oregon, what adoption involves and where you can find confidential support. If you want to talk with someone now, fill out our short online form.

What if I’m Pregnant and Don’t Want It?

You might be asking yourself, “What happens if I don’t want to keep my baby?” Your options if you’re pregnant and don’t want to be a mom include abortion and adoption. Each one has different processes, timelines and outcomes. What matters most is finding the option that feels right for your life and your future.

Some women know immediately which path they want to take. Others need time, information and support before they can decide. Either way is okay.

Understanding Abortion vs. Adoption in Oregon

When you’re pregnant and don’t want it, understanding abortion vs. adoption can help you see what each choice actually involves.

Abortion

Abortion is legal in Oregon right now, and your access to it is protected. Oregon doesn’t restrict abortion based on how far along you are in your pregnancy. Whether you’re in your first trimester or further along, abortion remains available.

Both Oregon Medicaid and private health insurance plans are required to cover abortion. The state also has a fund to help patients pay for abortion care if they need financial assistance.

If you choose abortion, you may be able to take medication (sometimes called the abortion pill) or schedule an in-clinic procedure. Your options depend on how far along you are and what your healthcare provider recommends.

Adoption

Adoption lets you find someone else to raise your baby. A licensed adoption agency can support you through each step while ensuring you remain in control of the process.

You get to choose the adoptive family by reviewing profiles, and you can meet the family before making a final decision. You can also decide how much contact you want after placement, whether that’s photo updates, phone calls, texts or in-person visits.

Adoption is always free for expectant parents, and you may qualify for financial assistance during your pregnancy. This can include help with rent, groceries, maternity clothes and medical bills.

What If You Can’t Get an Abortion But Don’t Want to Be a Mother?

Even though abortion is legal and accessible in Oregon, you might still face barriers. Maybe transportation is an issue, or maybe you have personal or religious beliefs that remove abortion as an option.

If you can’t get an abortion but don’t want to be a mother, adoption offers a different path forward. There’s no deadline; you can make this decision during your pregnancy, at the hospital or even after you’ve taken them home.

When You Choose Adoption, You Don’t Lose Your Connection

Unlike abortion, which ends during pregnancy, adoption lets you stay connected to your child if you choose. This is a key difference between adoption and abortion.

Today, most adoptions are open. That means when you give your baby up for adoption in Oregon, you can stay connected after placement. You’re not disappearing from your child’s life — you’re choosing a different role in it.

Some expectant parents want to receive regular updates. Others want time and space to heal after giving birth. You decide what feels right for you, and this gets put in writing so everyone’s on the same page.

Is Adoption Better Than Abortion?

No one can answer this for you. Deciding what to do about an unplanned pregnancy is deeply personal. What’s “better” depends entirely on your circumstances, your values and what you need for your future.

Where Can I Find Support Right Now?

You don’t have to figure this out by yourself. Free counseling is available right now, and you can remain completely anonymous if you want.

These hotlines are staffed by trained professionals who won’t judge you or pressure you toward any decision:

I Don’t Want People to Know I’m Pregnant — Can I Keep This Private?

Your privacy is protected by law. Medical clinics can’t share information about your pregnancy, your appointments or your decisions with anyone unless you give them permission.

Counseling hotlines offer confidential support. You don’t have to give your real name when you call, and you can share as much or as little as you’re comfortable with.

If you choose to work with an adoption agency, your counselor will work to protect your privacy throughout the process. You decide who knows about your decision and when they find out.

Taking Your Next Step

Making a decision about an unplanned pregnancy is hard, but you don’t have to carry this by yourself.

If you’re ready to explore your options, fill out our form today. Whether you’re considering adoption or just want someone to talk to about what you’re feeling, support is available.