I Am Pregnant and Don’t Know What to Do: Unplanned Pregnancy Options in Tennessee

If you’re feeling panicked right now, that is completely normal. Take a second. You have time to figure this out.Finding out you’re pregnant when you didn’t plan to be is a lot to process. It changes your whole world in a moment. But even in Tennessee, where the laws have shifted quite a bit lately, you still have three paths you can take.

This isn’t about telling you what’s “right.” This guide gives you the straight facts on parenting support, abortion access, and adoption, so you can make the choice that fits your life.

Need to talk to someone? Finding unbiased support matters. You can connect with an independent unplanned pregnancy coordinator who will simply listen and answer your questions—no pressure, no cost.

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Managing the Shock of an Unplanned Pregnancy

Take a deep breath. It’s okay if your first reaction isn’t joy—it might be fear, confusion, or even numbness. When an unplanned pregnancy happens, it can feel like the ground has shifted beneath your feet, leaving you unsure of where to step next.

You aren’t the first person to feel this way, and you certainly aren’t alone. In Tennessee, thousands of women find themselves in this exact spot every year, facing a future they hadn’t pictured. Whether you’re worried about money, your education, or simply not being ready to be a parent, your feelings are valid.

The most important thing to know right now is that this is your life to live. No one else—not a partner, a parent, or a politician—can make this decision for you. You have three main paths forward: parenting, abortion, or adoption. Each is a valid choice, and taking the time to understand them fully is the first step toward regaining your footing.

Confirming Pregnancy and Health Status

Before you can really plan anything, you need to know for sure how far along you are. At-home tests are usually accurate, but seeing a doctor is the necessary next step, especially if you need to apply for state aid or travel for medical procedures.

In Tennessee, you can find free pregnancy testing and sometimes free ultrasounds at various community centers. This matters for two big reasons:

1. Ruling out Ectopic Pregnancy: If the pregnancy is ectopic (growing outside the uterus), it is a medical emergency that requires different treatment than a standard abortion or prenatal care.
2. Dating the Pregnancy: If you are considering abortion, you will likely need to travel out of state. Every state has different deadlines (e.g., 12 weeks vs. 20 weeks). Knowing exactly how many weeks along you are helps you know which states are even options for you.

If you aren’t sure where to go, community clinics are a good place to start. For those without insurance, places like Birthright of Memphis or Hope Clinic for Women in Nashville often offer free or low-cost initial services.

Your Three Legal Options in Tennessee

The best way to stop the panic is to get the facts. Once you know exactly what is—and isn’t—possible in Tennessee, you can start making a plan that actually works for you.

Now that you know the timeline, let’s look at the practical side of things. By understanding exactly what is available to you, including parenting support programs and your legal rights in adoption, you can make the decision that actually feels right for your life.

1. Parenting in Tennessee: Resources for Real Life

If you’re thinking about parenting, the big question is usually money. “Can I actually afford this?” is a fair thing to ask. Raising a kid is expensive, but if you want to be a parent, you don’t have to do it without help.

Tennessee has programs specifically to help with the costs:

• Medical Coverage: TennCare (Medicaid) covers prenatal care, labor, and delivery if you qualify. As of 2025, TennCare coverage lasts for 12 months postpartum, so you have medical support for a full year after the baby is born. The income limit for a pregnant woman (family of two) is approximately $52,875 a year (250% of the Federal Poverty Level). They also cover dental, which is something a lot of people forget about during pregnancy.
• Food Assistance: WIC helps with nutrition for pregnant women and kids up to age five. It covers basics like milk, eggs, and peanut butter. To apply, you will need proof of income and residency, and you’ll need to show a “nutritional risk” (which a doctor can determine).
• Diaper Assistance: Through the TennCare Diaper Program, eligible families (CoverKids or TennCare members under age 2) can receive up to 100 diapers per month at no cost. You can pick these up at participating pharmacies.
• Housing: Places like Hope House in Kingsport have residential programs that can provide housing for pregnant women for up to two years, giving you a safe place to land while you get on your feet.

How to Start: You can apply for both TennCare and CoverKids through the TennCare Connect portal online or by calling 855-259-0701.

If you have people in your corner and the desire to parent, these resources can help make it happen. But if you look at your situation and know that parenting just isn’t realistic right now—whether it’s because of your career, your finances, or just not wanting to be a parent—that is a fair conclusion to reach.

2. Tennessee Abortion Laws and Traveling for Care

If you’re asking, “What if I don’t want to be pregnant?“, you need the most current info on Tennessee law.

As of 2025, abortion is banned in Tennessee at all stages of pregnancy.

There is a very specific exception if the pregnant person’s life is in danger or there is a serious risk of major physical harm, but there are no exceptions for rape or incest in state law. This means if you want to end the pregnancy, you likely can’t do it at a clinic here.

However, Tennessee law does not get you in legal trouble for traveling to get care somewhere else. You are free to travel to a state where it is legal, like Illinois, Virginia, or North Carolina, depending on how far along you are.

• Logistics of Traveling: Because you have to travel, you’ll need to plan for gas, flights, hotels, and time off work.
• Virginia: Has a 24-hour waiting period, meaning you must receive counseling, wait 24 hours, and then have the procedure. This essentially requires an overnight stay.
• North Carolina: Has a 72-hour waiting period. You would need to be in the state for at least three days.
• Illinois: Generally has fewer restrictions and waiting periods, but the travel distance is longer for many Tennesseans.

Traveling for medical care can be exhausting. If you choose this path, try to bring a trusted friend or family member with you so you aren’t navigating a strange city alone. Organizations like The Brigid Alliance can sometimes help with the logistics of travel expenses for those who need to travel long distances.

3. Adoption in Tennessee: Rights, Costs, and Processes

You don’t have to choose between your future and your baby’s future. Adoption helps you build the life you both deserve. Adoption isn’t what it used to be. It isn’t “giving up” your baby; it’s picking a family who can provide the life you might not be able to right now.

Choosing adoption doesn’t mean you are giving up on being a mother; it means you are making a parenting decision based on what your child needs and what you are capable of giving right now. If you aren’t ready to be a mom but don’t want an abortion, adoption lets you call the shots.

Here is how it works in Tennessee:

• You Pick the Parents: You can look through profiles of hopeful families and find the ones that just click with you.
• Financial Help: Tennessee law allows adoptive families to help birth mothers with pregnancy-related expenses. This includes things like rent, utilities, food, and maternity clothes. This support can happen during pregnancy and usually for 45-90 days after birth (if the court approves) to help you recover.
• Protections for You: Tennessee has a mandatory 72-hour waiting period after birth before you can sign any legal paperwork. This makes sure you aren’t rushed. Even after you sign, there is a 10-day period where you can change your mind and go before a judge to revoke your consent. It’s a safety net a lot of other states don’t have.
• Open Adoption: You don’t have to say goodbye forever. You can choose to get photos, letters, or even visit your child as they grow up. Studies show that birth mothers who choose open adoption often report less long-term grief and more peace of mind because they can see for themselves that their child is happy and loved.

What about the father? In Tennessee, birth fathers have rights, but the state also uses something called a Putative Father Registry. If a man hasn’t registered or stepped up legally, his ability to stop an adoption might be limited. An adoption specialist can explain how that applies to your specific situation.

It’s also never too late. You can make an adoption plan when you’re two months pregnant or when you’re already at the hospital. Resources like American Adoptions or Considering Adoption can help you see what this might look like for you.

Evaluating Your Options: Personal Goals and Support

Deciding between parenting, abortion, and adoption is heavy. It’s probably one of the biggest choices you’ll ever make. If you feel stuck in a loop of “I can’t believe this is happening,” try to slow down.

Ask yourself what you want the next five years to look like. Do you want to finish school? Move up in your job? Travel? Think about how a baby fits into that picture. Be honest about your support system—do you have people who will help at 3 AM, or are you doing this solo?

Finally, check in with your gut on abortion and adoption. Is abortion something you can handle emotionally and financially? Could you see adoption as a way to give your baby a solid start while you keep moving toward your own goals? There is no wrong answer, but there may be a best answer for you and your specific preferences or situations.

How to Have the Hard Conversations

One of the scariest parts of an unplanned pregnancy is telling the people involved—whether that’s the father, your parents, or your friends. You might be afraid of disappointment, anger, or pressure.

Here are a few tips for protecting your peace during these talks:

• Choose a Safe Place: Pick a neutral, private time to talk. Avoid bringing it up during an argument or in a public place where you might feel unsafe expressing emotion.
• Be Honest but Firm: It is okay to say, “I am pregnant, and I am still figuring out what I want to do.” You do not have to have a 10-year plan ready the second you tell them.
• Know Your Boundaries: If someone tries to pressure you into an option you don’t want—whether that’s abortion, adoption, or parenting—you are allowed to end the conversation. “I need some time to think about this on my own” is a complete sentence.
• Prepare for Mixed Reactions: People often have outdated ideas about adoption or strong opinions on abortion. Remember: they are reacting to their own feelings, not necessarily to your reality. You are the one living this life, not them.
• Get Support First: If you are terrified to tell your parents or partner, consider talking to a counselor first. They can help you role-play the conversation so you feel more prepared.

Unplanned Pregnancy Counseling and Local Support

You don’t have to sit with this alone. There are people ready to listen right now—not to tell you what to do, but just to help you hear your own thoughts a little clearer. Unplanned pregnancy counselors are professionals who are there to help you sort through the noise.

A counseling session is just a safe space to voice your fears (like “My parents will kill me”) and walk through the “what-ifs.” If you’re worried about being pressured, look for “options counseling,” but keep in mind that some centers, often called Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs), might not provide information on abortion.

For a full picture of your options, we recommend organizations like American Adoptions (1-800-236-7846). They have specialists who can discuss everything with you without any pressure. Locally, providers like Tennessee Reproductive Therapy offer counseling specifically for pregnancy and reproductive mental health.

• Statewide: KidCentral TN (State directory for health and education).
• Nashville: Hope Clinic for Women (Medical care and counseling).
• Memphis: Birthright of Memphis (Free testing and support).
• Kingsport/East TN: Hope House (Housing assistance).
• Chattanooga: Local community health centers can help with prenatal referrals.

You Deserve Support—Here’s Where to Start

If you’re sitting there thinking, “I really don’t know what to do,” just know that you are capable of creating a good outcome. You have choices, you’re in control, and you can handle this.

If you want to know more about how adoption works—how you can get help with bills, choose a family, and keep your future on track—you can get free info today. It costs nothing, and you aren’t committing to anything.

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