Adoption
If you're uncomfortable with the idea of abortion and your circumstances make parenting very difficult at this time, adoption can be a very positive option. It's a sacrifice you make for your baby, but one from which you benefit too.

Adoption means that you make a plan with an adoption agency to place your baby with a loving family. This enables you to give your child the kind of life you would want to give him or her if your circumstances were different.

What's good about adoption?
• Studies show that most adoptions work out happily.
• Your child could have a 'life book' that tells him or her what you would like them to know about you and the baby's father.
• Through adoption, you can provide your child with both a father and a mother.
• You can say what sort of people you would like to have as parents for your child.
• Adoption means you care about your child. You are giving him or her the opportunity to have what you are unable to provide right now.

What happens?
• When you are ready, a social worker will visit you to talk about it. You don't need to decide now. You have plenty of time to find out what's best for you and your baby.
• The baby goes to foster parents for about 6 weeks. You can visit during this time to be sure that you are making the right decision.
• The baby then goes to live with the adoptive family. After three months with them, the adoption order can go through.
• You do not have to go to court - a social worker will visit you and ask you to sign a legal document.
• You can still change your mind after the baby's born at any time until the adoption order is made.

What support is there?
Local pregnancy crisis centres are there to support you as you consider adoption. They are there for you through the whole process - the decision making, the pregnancy and the adoption itself. This support can continue for as long as you want.

Take a second look at adoption, get past your initial reaction and see what adoption can do for you and your baby. Find out more about adoption - gathering information doesn't commit you to anything.

A good first step would be to talk to someone about it. Ring Choices to talk to an advisor.

See the resources list on the left under 'Others that can help'.

What's not good about adoption?
Adoption does not work well for everyone and some people have had bad experiences after adopting, speak to one of our advisors who has had personal experiences.