Unplanned Pregnancy Options in Tampa Florida

Written By: Erin Jones

When you’re going through an unplanned pregnancy, it can be easy to get caught up in your emotions and make rash decisions. But because you now have the best interest of your child to think about, it’s extremely important for you to remain calm and consider all of your options for unplanned pregnancy. Today, birth mothers have more options for unplanned pregnancy than they did in the past. Though more options might sound a little intimidating, most birth mothers actually find it to be both helpful and relieving. 

To help you get a better understanding of your options for unplanned pregnancy, Adoption Choices of Florida has listed the four most common options for birth mothers in the state of Florida who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and wondering what to do next.   

4 Options for Unplanned Pregnancy in Tampa, FL

1. Continuing Your Pregnancy and Becoming a Mother

Some birth mothers, when they discover they’ve become unexpectedly pregnant, choose to continue with their pregnancy and become a single parent, raise the child alongside the child’s birth father, or raise the child with the help of family members, friends, and so on. Of course, it’s wonderful news when this is the case for birth mothers experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, but it’s important to be absolutely certain that raising a child is something you want and something that you’re capable of. Raising a child isn’t an easy feat, especially if you’re on your own, so you must be confident in your ability to do so. It also helps to have an excellent support system of family and friends who will be willing to help you out in a pinch!

2. Continuing Your Pregnancy and Choosing Adoption

Adoption is perhaps the most common option for birth mothers experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. What makes adoption such an excellent option for a birth mother experiencing an unplanned pregnancy is that she is in control of the adoption process. She — with the guidance and support of her adoption team, family, and friends — makes all of the important decisions regarding her child’s adoption and future. When a birth mothers opts for the adoption route, she chooses which adoption agency she wants to work with, what type of adoption she wants, who the adoptive family of her child is going to be and so on. Most birth mothers choose to be involved in their child’s adoption process, but some don’t and that’s OK. That’s exactly what makes adoption such a great option for birth mothers going through an unplanned pregnancy — the freedom and ability to choose!     

3. Continuing Your Pregnancy and Choosing a Baby Safe Haven

Birth mothers going through an unplanned pregnancy have also opted for the Baby Safe Haven option. Though much less likely to be heard of than adoption, a Baby Safe Haven is for birth mothers going through an unplanned pregnancy who have also decided that they cannot raise their child. Essentially, Baby Safe Havens, also referred to as the Baby Moses Law, allow an individual to legally relinquish their parental rights to a child within a specified amount of time after the child’s birth. In the state of Florida, a child can be brought to a Baby Safe Haven — typically found in/at hospitals, emergency medical service stations, police and fire stations —  up to seven days after his or her birth. There are many different reasons why a birth mother might choose Baby Safe Haven over adoption and vice versa. For more information on the difference between the two, please visit our website’s blog on adoption vs. Baby Safe Haven: which is right for me and my child? 

4. Terminating Your Pregnancy

One of the most common, yet controversial, options for a birth mother going through an unexpected pregnancy is to terminate her pregnancy. In the state of Florida and the rest of the United States, opinions differ drastically on this topic, but ultimately, only you can decide what’s best for you. If you’ve weighed all of your unplanned pregnancy options and have determined that terminating your pregnancy is the right decision for you, it’s important for you to seek out professional medical help right away. This way, your pregnancy can be terminated safely,  and there’s no chance of putting your own health and well-being at risk.      

It’s OK to Take Time to Consider Your Unplanned Pregnancy Options!

Still not entirely sure which option for unplanned pregnancy is right for you? That’s OK! You shouldn’t feel rushed to make a decision about your unplanned pregnancy. However, do be mindful that some of the options listed above are time sensitive, like Baby Safe Haven and terminating your pregnancy. Still, though, it’s OK to take some time to decide which option is right for you. Do some of your own research to gather information about each of your options. Don’t hesitate to reach out to experts and professionals to ask questions and have your concerns addressed. And most of all, trust yourself to make the right decision for you and your child. Remember, only you know what’s best! 

If you are a pregnant woman in Florida considering adoption, and have any questions or concerns about the adoption process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. For more information on adoption, visit us at Adoption Choices of Florida or call us at: (833) 352-3678