Choosing adoption as a solution to your unplanned pregnancy can be a win-win situation for you and your baby. In most cases, as the birth mother, you'll be able to handpick a stable, loving family for your child through an adoption agency's list of prospective parents. If you work through a private or government agency, these couples are screened and it's likely they'll have undergone extensive interviews and background checks. Choosing your baby's future family can be entirely up to you.

Through adoption you'll be able to continue to pursue your goals and plans. You can resume your education or career and continue to live independently without the financial/emotional weight of parenting prematurely. You'll also be free to choose whether or not you wish to develop a long-term relationship with the baby's father.

Adoption can be a choice that you feel good about knowing that your child is growing in a healthy, secure environment that you selected. You'll remember giving birth and may get to see or hold your baby. And best of all, your pregnancy ends in giving life.

Think you could never give up your baby!

Most women in an unplanned pregnancy feel this way at first, but it is important to consider your circumstances. Take some time to think of the cost and responsibility of choosing single motherhood.  Successful childrearing, while greatly rewarding, can be very demanding.  Most birth mothers who choose adoption experience some grief, but later say it was the right decision for them and for their baby. 

Other adoption benefits:

• You can get to know the prospective parents.
• Your adoption plan may include financial assistance for prenatal care and childbirth expenses.
• Your child can benefit from the security of being raised in a two-parent family.
• You can choose to stay informed or your child's well being.