Did your partner just say those four little words you were hoping not to hear, “I think I’m pregnant.” That short phrase can strike fear in every guy’s heart if the situation isn’t right. Here are a couple of suggestions for your next steps.

Has She Confirmed Her Pregnancy?

We recommend you first verify she’s pregnant. Sometimes, a late period and a positive pregnancy test aren’t enough to determine pregnancy. 

Experts estimate as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage. That’s over one in four pregnancies! Because it would take her body time to return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels, it is possible to get a positive pregnancy test even if she’s miscarried.

Have her verify her pregnancy with an ultrasound. Many pregnancy resource centers offer them for free. Once the pregnancy is confirmed, she can begin proper prenatal care.

The Pregnancy’s Confirmed. Now What?

Ultimately, how she wants to handle the pregnancy is her decision—being pregnant and determining what to do is a life-altering choice. She has three options: abortion, parenting, or making an adoption plan. 

Abortion

Missouri banned abortion except for medical emergencies that threaten the life of the mother. So she may need to travel to obtain one. The various procedures can also be expensive, with potential physical and emotional risks. 

If she’s miscarried, you don’t want to order the abortion drugs. Get the information you need first.

Parenting

Parenting is an option. Are you willing to co-parent, or have you considered marriage? There are many reasons to get married, but doing so because she’s pregnant may not be the best.

If she chooses to parent, you are legally liable to financially care for a child you have fathered until the child reaches 18. Read more about your responsibilities in, Will I Be Legally Responsible For a Child If I Get My Partner Pregnant?

Making an Adoption Plan

If she decides against abortion but is hesitant to parent alone, you should recommend taking a closer look at placing the child for adoption. It isn’t an easy decision to make, but there are several benefits for you and your child:

• It costs the birth parents nothing to place their child for adoption.
• All of her medical and legal expenses are covered.
• She may be able to receive other pregnancy-related costs such as rent, maternity clothes, food, etc.
• By choosing open or semi-open adoption, the two of you can still have a relationship with your child.
• You can choose the adoptive parents who raise your child.
• Counseling is available at no cost.

Where Can I Get More Information?

The adoption coordinators at A Gift of Hope Adoptions are happy to sit down with one or both of you to discuss making an adoption plan. We understand choosing how to handle an unplanned pregnancy is a difficult decision. 

Fill out our online contact form or call 1-888-564-HOPE (4673) to set up a free appointment. We’re available to answer your questions and discuss your options. 

This blog is for informational purposes only. This is not legal or medical advice. While we try our best to reflect current laws with accuracy at the time of writing, please note the laws can change over time.