Teen Pregnancy

Are you a teenager facing an unplanned pregnancy?

Growing up is far from easy. As a teenager, you begin to find your own path in this world - to figure out who you are as an adult. However, this time can also be exciting, heartbreaking and frustrating all at once as you leave your childhood behind and begin your new life as young adult.

You may have experienced your first real taste of love, or you may have just gotten caught up in a moment when sharing a kiss turned into something much more. Now you find yourself wondering how your parents, friends and others at school will react when they find out that not only have you been having sex, but you are now pregnant.

However, just because you are a teenager doesn't mean you don't have the right to make your own choice about your pregnancy. You don't have to choose between having an abortion and becoming a parent when you know you aren't ready to - there is another option for you.

Adoption will allow you to know your baby, while still being able to do all of the things you had planned for your future before you found out you were pregnant. At American Adoptions you will be the boss - you will be able to do everything from picking a family to raise your baby to deciding what kind of future contact you will have with the adoptive family as your baby grows up.

American Adoptions will also support you every step of the way - from helping you tell your parents, if you choose to do so, to simply being there for you when you need it the most. Someone from our agency will always be available for you - 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will not be alone - no matter what time it is, we are here for you.

Why does American Adoptions care so much?

Michelle
Wellwood

Because it is personal for us. Our staff includes a wide variety of women and men, many of whom have personal ties to adoption. One of those women is Michelle Wellwood - who, just like you, also became pregnant while she was in high school. After weighing all of her options, she chose to place her baby for adoption. You may read her story here, or you can speak to her yourself by calling 1-800-ADOPTION. Calling us does not commit you to anything - Michelle, or another one of our counselors, will be happy to answer any questions you may have about adoption. Adoption is a confidential option and we will not share your information with anyone without your permission.

Education -
How Do I Graduate High School?

Many young women facing an unexpected pregnancy choose adoption because they know that, in doing so, not only are they able to provide the best life possible for their baby, but they are also able to pursue their own educational and professional goals.

First thing's first: If you have not finished high school, you will want to make immediate plans to complete high school as soon as possible. There are several options available to young mothers. Some are even faster and more convenient than the traditional daytime classes, so don't wait! There are several main options:

1. Continue at your own high school.
2. Pursue independent study.
3. Attend a special school.
4. Get tutoring.
5. Obtain your GED.

1. Continue at your own high school. Some young women want to continue at their own high school. While this may be challenging for some, it can often be done with fewer complications than other options. See the school counselor for more information on your school's policy.

2. Pursue independent study. While this may sound good, it will require you to exercise self discipline and know how to set and keep deadlines in order to finish your coursework. However, some young women find independent study courses too difficult because they require more written homework than traditional classes. An advantage to independent study courses is that they overlap with junior colleges or trade schools, so you can receive both high school and college credit for the same course. This is usually referred to as "concurrent enrollment." Look into this option by calling the high school career center or the college continuing education department.

3. Attend a special school. Most communities have special high schools or programs that offer daytime and/or evening classes for people who have alternative needs. These schools usually offer flexible schedules and arrangements for your particular situation. Programs geared specifically towards young expecting women are also gaining popularity. These programs allow an expectant mother to attend school throughout her pregnancy as well as provide on-site daycare facilities, allowing new mothers to bring their infants with them to school.

4. Get tutoring. In some cases, tutors can be hired, often with funding available through government programs. Tutoring may be the only option that will work for you if you are experiencing a problem pregnancy requiring complete bed rest.

5. Obtain your G.E.D. The G.E.D. is a test that measures your general educational accomplishments. Once you have passed the exam, you will have earned the equivalent to your high school diploma, enabling you to go on to a technical training institute, college, or the job force having technically graduated from high school.

You need to explore all the avenues in obtaining your high school diploma, and then pursue one to completion. No matter how you get your education, you can enjoy greater job opportunities and experience a lifetime of pride - and not regret - for attaining your educational goals.

Birth Mother Scholarship Program

Are you interested in receiving your GED, or going to college?

American Adoptions has a scholarship program for birth mothers who place with our agency! We want you to be able to fulfill your educational goals and dreams. That's why every birth mother who goes through the adoption process with American Adoptions will receive a scholarship application and be considered for a financial scholarship to assist with the costs of education. American Adoptions offers educational scholarships for the college or school of your choice to help cover the cost of your tuition or books.

Who Can I Talk To?

When facing an unplanned pregnancy, it is very important to build and surround yourself with a support system of individuals who are ready to stand by you, whatever your decision.

• Family and friends
• Pastor, priest or clergy member you trust
• Counselor
• Adoption specialist

Adoption Counseling Center

American Adoptions is proud to offer our Adoption Counseling Center reserved exclusively for women facing an unplanned pregnancy. The Adoption Counseling Center has helped thousands of pregnant women like yourself and is available 7 days a week as an excellent resource to find out more about adoption. Your call is completely confidential and you will have the peace of mind knowing that American Adoptions will always be there for you.

• Personal and confidential assistance
• Adoption counselors available 24 hours a day at 1-800-ADOPTION
• Staff located in your area
• Ask an adoption question
• Receive FREE Pregnancy information