High school is filled with friends, studies, sports, and proms, but it isn’t supposed to include pregnancy. Becoming pregnant in school does happen, and when it does, it’s critical to take care of your health and learn about your options.

One of our caring team members would be happy to discuss your situation privately and help you sort it out. You don’t have to tackle an unplanned pregnancy alone.

Have You Shared the News?

When facing an unexpected pregnancy, you need the support of others. We encourage you to talk with your parents. You may be surprised by their love and support.

Having strong, supportive friends is also essential. Your friends and family will have many different opinions on what you should do, but ultimately, it’s your decision. Your friends should stand with you, not against you.

Don’t let anyone, including your partner, force you to make one choice over another. This is your pregnancy and your future. You need to choose the option that’s best for you.

What Are You Thinking?

You have three options for your pregnancy: abortion, making an adoption plan, or parenting.

Having an Abortion

Missouri banned abortion except in the case of a mother’s life. Although abortion may seem like a quick and easy way to take care of the “problem,” you need to be aware of the physical and emotional side effects and potential risks.

You should also get an ultrasound. There’s over a one in four chance you may have miscarried. Because it takes your body time to return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels, it’s possible to get a positive pregnancy test result even after miscarrying.

An ultrasound determines how far along your pregnancy is. The number of weeks and days is called the “gestational age.” The gestational age of your pregnancy determines the type of abortion procedure you qualify for, either medical (abortion drugs) or surgical.

Making an Adoption Plan

Have you considered placing your child for adoption? Like having an abortion, making an adoption plan has emotional consequences. But with adoption, you can build a relationship with your child and their adoptive family.

Adoption costs the birth parents nothing. If you do not have medical insurance, the potential adoptive parents cover all your medical expenses. With an open or semi-open adoption plan, you select the family that raises your child.

Essentially, you choose the future you want for them. They can have a two-parent family life, a safe and loving home, and an opportunity-filled future.

Choosing to Parent

Not every teen mom gets to appear on a reality show like 16 and Pregnant. Parenting as a teenager is hard but possible with a lot of determination and support.

Fortunately, Missouri has many resources to help young single mothers. Services are available to assist you with rent, food, medical care, childcare, job skills, and more.

Federal law requires high schools to accommodate pregnant students. Whether you’re a Kewpie, Bruin, Spartan, or something else, your school must arrange for you to attend doctor’s appointments, complete homework, and take tests. They must assist teen parents, too.

Let’s Start the Conversation

A Gift of Hope Adoptions is located in Columbia, Missouri. A representative will happily meet you wherever it’s convenient to discuss your situation. By contacting us, you’re not making a commitment to adoption for your child. Like all of your options, adoption is a big decision that takes time.

Call (888) 564-HOPE (4673) or complete our confidential Contact Form. We’ll contact you as soon as possible.

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.