Tough choices: Deciding between adoption and keeping the baby

When you’re looking at a positive pregnancy test but didn’t plan a pregnancy, your mind starts racing with many questions. What do I do now? Should I keep my baby? Should I consider placing a baby for adoption? How can I possibly be here, deciding between adoption and keeping the baby? Where can I turn for help? Our Florida adoption advisors understand what you are feeling, and we are here to help you.

Should I keep my baby?

Even at the very earliest news of pregnancy, it’s natural for a woman to feel a protective instinct for her baby. Many women ponder the question, “Should I keep my baby?” at the same time they are considering the possibility that it could be best to place the baby for adoption by a loving family. Our Florida adoption advisors wish to remind you that you don’t need to rush into any decisions. No matter where you are in your pregnancy, there is time to explore all of your options and realistically evaluate your situation.

Our counselors can support you as you come to a decision you feel comfortable with, providing objective information about the realities of parenting based on your specific situation. For example, we can help you realistically assess your finances, support system, living situation and other factors that will play an important role in your and your baby’s future. We can also walk you through important information you need to know about when considering parenting.

• The estimated cost of raising a child from birth to age 18 is $375,000, including just the basics, such as food, housing, clothing and childcare.
• It’s important to consider your support system, including the baby’s father and your family, and what type of support they can commit to provide for you.
• It’s also wise to think about your own housing situation, work requirements and lifestyle, and whether they are compatible with providing a safe and loving environment in which to raise a child.
• Raising a baby involves sacrifices, so we can help you evaluate your own goals for yourself and how a child will fit into the bigger picture of your life.

We are here to help you reach the best decision for you, and we will never pressure you to choose one option over another. Our primary interest is in ensuring that both you and your baby are safe and protected, and that your answer to the question, “Should I keep my baby?” is the best one for you.  

What do I need to know before deciding between adoption and keeping the baby?

Our counselors can also answer all of your questions about modern adoption, so that you will be fully informed about the process before deciding if it’s right for you. There are many important things to know about adoption, some of which may surprise you.

• If you choose adoption, you will be able to personally choose your baby’s adoptive parents, and you will have a chance to meet with them in person.
• You will be empowered to make an adoption plan that includes all of your wishes and preferences, including whether you want an open adoption that allows contact with your child in the future.
• You will also be able to decide what form of contact you want to have with your child and the adoptive family, up to and including in-person visits.
• If you are facing the possibility of your child being removed by DCF, choosing a Legacy adoption gives you greater control over your ability to remain in contact with your child in the future.
• Under Florida law, you must wait 48 hours after your child is born, or until you are discharged from the hospital, before you can sign a consent form to place your child for adoption.
• Placing a child for adoption involves no expense for the baby’s mother, and you may also be eligible for assistance with food, housing and other necessities while you are pregnant. Your medical, counseling and legal costs are completely covered as well.
• Even if your baby has already been born, you still have choices, including the option to voluntarily place your child for adoption. At the hospital or already home with your baby? It is not too late – we can help!

Let us help you through this emotional time

Deciding between adoption and keeping the baby can be a time of uncertainty that brings many emotions. It’s important to have the facts and support that you may need to guide you through this turning point in your life.

Our Florida adoption counselors have your and your baby’s best interests at heart, and we care very much about your safety, security and health. It is our privilege to walk alongside you through this vulnerable time in your life. We are here to help you come to a decision that is best for you, whether you’re asking yourself “Should I keep my baby?” or “Should I place my baby for adoption?”

The choice when deciding between adoption and keeping the baby will be yours alone, and we encourage you to make that choice based on reliable information and the realities of your individual situation. Please reach out to our experienced counselors to get the help you need.