Adoption vs. Abortion in California

FCCA provides compassionate counseling services to help you assess all of your options when facing an unplanned pregnancy, including abortion, adoption and parenting. We can provide the emotional support and information you need to feel confident in your decision. 

As you consider your options, you deserve to have all of the facts. Here are three of the most important factors to consider when deciding between adoption vs. abortion:

1. Time

While adoption is always an option for you, your abortion decision is time-sensitive.

You can choose to place your baby for adoption very early or very late in your pregnancy, or even after your baby has already been born. This gives you an opportunity to explore all of your options and create an adoption plan that you feel confident in. Additionally, you can change your mind about your adoption plan at any time during your pregnancy and even after legally consenting to the adoption.

Alternatively, to limit medical risks and complications, most abortions are performed during the first few months of pregnancy. This can cause you to rush into an abortion decision before you are truly ready — and once you have started the abortion process, it cannot be undone.

2. Cost

Finances are another factor to consider when debating abortion vs. adoption. In adoption, all of the legal, medical and counseling services you need are offered at absolutely no cost to you. In addition, the adoptive family may pay certain living expenses during your pregnancy and recovery period, including:

• Housing
• Utilities
• Groceries
• Maternity clothing
• Transportation

On the other hand, you may be responsible for the medical costs associated with abortion. Depending on the circumstances of your pregnancy, these costs can range from $500–$2,000, and you may incur additional expenses if there are any complications.

3. Impact

Whether you choose abortion or adoption, your decision can have a lifelong emotional impact. However, in adoption, many women are comforted by the knowledge that their child is happy, healthy and thriving in a loving home.

If you choose adoption for your baby, you can personally select the perfect family that will provide the type of life you want your child to have. In addition, you can choose to maintain contact after placement through an open or semi-open adoption.

These choices put you in control of your adoption plan, and may give you the peace of mind you need to move forward in a healthy way. In addition, your FCCA social worker will be with you through each step of the adoption process — including post-placement — to provide the emotional support you need.

With abortion, you will not have the same opportunity to develop a relationship with your child, and it can be difficult to come to terms with this loss. If you choose abortion, it is very important that you seek professional counseling to help you process difficult feelings of grief, regret and depression.

Final Thoughts

Abortion and adoption can be emotionally complicated topics, and it is important to do careful research and seek professional counseling as you make your decision.

To learn more about your unplanned pregnancy options and FCCA’s counseling and support services, you can contact us at any time for free adoption information. Your call is confidential and does not obligate you to choose adoption for your baby.