why should i choose adoption?

It only takes one time - in the heat of a moment you unknowingly set down a path that changes your life forever. Staring down at a positive pregnancy test, suddenly everything changes. What do you do now?

There are many reasons why you should choose adoption. Women of all ages, of all walks of life, have been in your shoes. Young, old, married or unmarried, unplanned pregnancy affects everyone.

Why should you choose adoption?

There are many things to consider when weighing your options, including you personal relationships, you current emotional and financial state and even your hopes and aspirations for the future.

Whether you are married or unmarried, a baby can significantly affect your personal relationships. If you are not currently in a relationship with the father of the baby, or if he has chosen not to be involved in the baby's life, you must consider the challenges you will face as a single parent and whether or not that is a road you are willing to take.

Likewise, if you are in a relationship with the father you must also evaluate how healthy that relationship is. If you are in an emotionally or physically abusive relationship you should understand that a baby will not automatically heal the relationship, nor is it a good environment for your baby to be raised in. Also consider that if the father is simply unmotivated, unable to find or keep a job, or has other personal issues in his life right now, a baby will just add that stress, compounding the issue even more.

If you already have children that you are raising, think of how adding another child will impact their lives. If you are already struggling in your current situation, it will only compound with another child. The addition of another child to the current family dynamic will only mean more financial and emotional strain on yourself, which could in turn affect your children. If you have to work additional hours to meet the financial needs of a larger family, then not only are you adding to your stress, but you are not as able to meet the emotional needs of your current children.

While it is easy to get caught up in "today," you also need to consider your future. If you previously had aspirations of college, living in another state, etc. you must evaluate whether or not a baby will fit into that picture as well, or if you are willing to postpone those plans until your child is grown.

Some women are afraid to choose adoption for fear of appearing "selfish." However, choosing adoption is the least selfish choice you could make. Whether it is for financial or personal reasons, the choice is yours to make. If you do not feel you are emotionally ready to parent, if you don't want to put your college plans on hold, or even if you simply don't think you can afford it - each reason is a valid one for not choosing to parent. Not only will choosing adoption allow you to do what you feel is best for yourself, but it is also giving your child a chance at a life with two people who want nothing more in life than to be a parent to your child.