Having an unexpected pregnancy is one thing. Having a crisis pregnancy is on another level. It may seem as if you are in an impossible situation and there is no way out. But don’t give up. There is hope for how to get help for a crisis pregnancy. Here are some solutions to possible situations you may be in.
1. What if I think a crime has been committed?
If you have been sexually assaulted, contact the police. If you are a victim of incest, contact the police. If you are a minor and you became pregnant through your “boyfriend” who is an adult, that may be a crime. Contacting the police or Child Protective Services can be scary, so if you are a teen, go to your school nurse or a trusted teacher or coach. You should not have to live in fear. Let the authorities decide whether a crime has been committed. For more information, click here.
2. What if I am threatened with homelessness and have nowhere to go?
If you fear you will be homeless because someone found out you are pregnant, there are places to go. A maternity home is a place where pregnant moms can go to get the help you need. At a maternity home, you will be amongst others who are going through the same situation and where you can get support during your pregnancy and afterward also. You can get child care, parenting education, supplies for your baby, transportation to/from doctor’s appointments and best of all, free room and board until you get things sorted out. For more information on homelessness and maternity homes, check here.
3. What if I am pregnant and addicted to drugs or alcohol?
If you are carrying a little one and are addicted to drugs or alcohol, you face the risk having the child removed from your custody once you give birth at the hospital. The child may be placed with Child Protective Services and you have may have a drawn-out legal battle to regain custody. But worse than that, you face risking the health of your baby. The substances you are putting into your body make its way down to the child. When you take a drink, so does your child. Your child could be at risk for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Fetal Drug Syndrome, both of which are irreversible. Get help before its too late. If not for your sake, for the baby’s sake.
If someone tells you there is only one solution to “take care” of your crisis pregnancy, you might want to consider going to someone else. Whether it is family, friends, the faith community or the community at large, there are many, many places to get help and advice. Don’t isolate yourself! The more advice you receive from trusted adults the more you will be able to make an educated decision, be it parenting or making an adoption plan. Remember you are not only seeking help for you but also for your baby. Knowing how to get help for a crisis pregnancy can help you and your baby.
Are you considering placing a child for adoption? Not sure what to do next? First, know that you are not alone. Visit Adoption.org or call 1-800-ADOPT-98 to speak to one of our Options Counselors to get compassionate, nonjudgmental support. We are here to assist you in any way we can.
