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If you are pregnant and your immediate thought is, “I’m pregnant and I don’t want it,” you are standing at a crossroads...

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I’m Pregnant and I Don’t Want It: Adoption vs. Abortion in Washington

If you are pregnant and your immediate thought is, “I’m pregnant and I don’t want it,” you are standing at a crossroads with complex emotions. You are not alone in this feeling, and you deserve a non-judgmental space to explore your options.

We are here to be your guide—a voice of support offering grounded, accurate information. This guide is for women who explicitly know, “I’m pregnant but don’t want to be a mom.” We will compare adoption vs abortion in Washington and empower you to choose a path that is safe, legal, and right for your future.

I’m Pregnant but Don’t Want to Be a Mom — What Can I Do?

It is perfectly valid to feel, “I’m pregnant but don’t want to be a mom.” This is your life, and only you can decide the next step.

When you know you don’t want to keep your baby and are asking, “What are my options if I’m pregnant and don’t want to be a mom?” your two primary legal options in Washington are:

  1. Abortion: The termination of the pregnancy.
  2. Adoption: Continuing the pregnancy and choosing a family to raise your child.

Both options end the pregnancy in terms of your parental responsibility, but they involve very different emotional journeys and long-term outcomes.

Abortion vs. Adoption in Washington: Comparing Your Options

Understanding the legal landscape in Washington is the first step in deciding between adoption vs abortion.

OptionWashington Access & LawsTiming & Support
AbortionAbortion is legal up to the point of fetal viability. After viability, it is legal if necessary to protect the life or health of the mother.Must be done by a licensed provider. Cost increases significantly by trimester.
AdoptionLegal, safe, and available at any point in the pregnancy, or even after birth.Provides free financial support, medical coverage, and lifelong emotional counseling. Gives you the power to choose your baby’s future.

While abortion is accessible in Washington, adoption remains a viable, emotionally supported path for women who prefer to carry the pregnancy to term and ensure their child is raised by a loving family. “What’s the difference between abortion and adoption?” The difference is the journey and the life you choose for your child. For a deeper comparison of these options, you can read more about deciding between abortion or adoption.

Can’t Get an Abortion But Don’t Want to Be a Mother? You Have Choices

Because Washington state has a legal cutoff (viability), some women may find themselves asking, “I can’t get an abortion but don’t want to be a mother?” due to late discovery or provider capacity.

Adoption is not limited by trimester. This gives you the precious time you need to make a calm decision. If you feel pressured to rush because you are thinking, “I’m pregnant and I don’t want it,” know that with adoption, you have time to explore all the emotional and practical implications.

Can I Give Up My Baby for Adoption Right After Birth?

Yes. If you choose adoption, you can place your baby directly from the hospital, or even days or weeks after returning home.

By working with a national adoption agency, you can find a thoroughly screened waiting family who is prepared to travel and adopt your baby that very day. Your specialist can also clarify the timeline for when you can adopt.

You Don’t Want to Be a Mom: Adoption Lets You Choose a Better Future

If you are certain, “I’m pregnant but don’t want to be a mom,” adoption allows you to answer the question, “Can someone else raise my baby?” with a resounding yes, on your own terms. It is the proactive choice to give your baby the best life possible while retaining control of your future.

Here is the support you receive when you choose adoption:

What Happens When You Choose Adoption in Washington?

If you decide adoption is the best path for your baby, the process is streamlined and always guided by you:

  1. Find an Adoption Agency: Contact an agency for free, non-committal options counseling.
  2. Make an Adoption Plan: Work with a specialist to determine your hospital plan, type of adoption (open, closed, semi-open), and preferences for the role of birth fathers.
  3. Choose an Adoptive Family: Review adoptive family profiles that match your values.
  4. Begin Financial Assistance: Start receiving help with living expenses and medical bills immediately.
  5. Birth and Post-Placement Life: The family you choose assumes custody of the baby at the hospital. You then begin your post-placement life with the continued support of your counselor.

Who Can I Talk to Right Now? Free, Confidential Support Is Available

If you are feeling the pressure of, “I’m pregnant and I don’t want it,” and need confidential guidance, reach out immediately.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone — Getting Help in Washington

You do not have to carry this burden by yourself. Whether you decide adoption vs abortion, you have a path forward that secures your future.

Ready to explore your options with a compassionate counselor? Contact us today for free, confidential, and personalized support.