Abortion is not the only option for women who don’t feel that parenting is the right choice. Many women love and want their babies but simply aren’t in a place to care for them. That’s how it was for me when I experienced an unplanned pregnancy. I was very young, and not in a good place emotionally. There was no way that I could give my child the life she deserved. But that didn’t mean I had to have an abortion. I had another option: adoption.

Many people think that adoption is expensive, and it is. But not for the birth mother. Typically, an agency or the adoptive parents directly will pay for medical care. All of the legal fees are paid for by the agency/adoptive family. Adoption can actually cost less than an abortion because it is completely free to place a child for adoption, and abortions are a medical procedure that costs money.

That being said, adoption does not come without consequences. Placing my baby was the hardest thing I have ever done. I miss her daily, but I would miss her even more if I had chosen abortion. Because of adoption, I know what my baby looks like, and I am able to have a relationship with her. It’s not the same as being her mom, but I am so grateful for my open adoption that has allowed me to maintain a special bond with her. 

Because I chose adoption over abortion, a family grew. The adoptive parents I chose for my baby would not have been able to be parents without adoption. They are amazing people, and they deserve to have kids. If I had chosen abortion, they wouldn’t have their little daughter.

Most importantly, my baby got to live. She will grow up in a happy, stable home, and I will be there for her to answer any questions she might have later on about her adoption story. She gets to run and play and laugh, and the world is now home to one more beautiful soul.

There are many reasons why women choose abortion. But if money is the only reason to consider it, there are better options. Adoption means that families get to grow, children get to live, and biological mothers don’t have to end their pregnancies if they don’t want to.

Adoption is a valid, wonderful, and totally free alternative to abortion. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and looking for parenting alternatives, I would strongly urge you to consider adoption. I’m so glad I did.

Are you considering placing a child for adoption? Do you want more choices with your adoption plan? Do you want to regain more control in your life? Visit Adoption.org or call 1-800-ADOPT-98. We can help you put together an adoption plan that best meets your needs.

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Placing a baby for adoption is a bittersweet experience. It is not just a singular event, it changes your life forever. One does not simply place a baby for adoption and forget all about it. Choosing adoption means grief, joy, love and loss. Choosing adoption means choosing life.

Placing my baby for adoption was the hardest thing I have ever done. While I was pregnant, I experienced a lot of judgement. I was young and single, so many people assumed that I was without moral, saying that I had thrown my life away. When I chose adoption, some people called me irresponsible, or didn’t believe that I loved my baby. That was hard for me.

However, for every negative comment I received, I got at least five that were positive. Most people understood that I was doing my best with a difficult situation. I had friends, family, and even strangers reach out and support me through my pregnancy. Some of the people I had been the most afraid of being judged by were the ones who were the most supportive of me and my decision.

Delivering my baby knowing that I wouldn’t be taking her home with me was exhausting, physically and emotionally. I cried from the pain of labor and the pain of my heart. Just when I was ready to give up, my sweet baby finally entered the world. The nurse handed her to me, and I knew that no matter how hard it had been, and no matter how hard it would be, the cliché is true–it was worth it. I loved my baby more than I ever thought possible.

Placement

When the time came to place my newborn baby into her adoptive parent’s arms, my heart shattered. This baby who I loved so fiercely wasn’t mine anymore. I couldn’t hold her or soothe her when she cried. I wouldn’t be there for her first steps, and I wouldn’t be the one she called mama. It made me think I would never recover.

Two years later and I can say I have found a new normal. I will never fully ‘get over’ the loss of placing my baby for adoption. The pain is the cost of loving her. But it doesn’t hurt every day. I am blessed to have a very open adoption, so I receive regular photos and updates from her adoptive parents. I visit my birth daughter often, and we share a special bond that I wouldn’t trade for anything. She is thriving with her beautiful family, living the childhood I hoped and dreamed she would have.

My adoption journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. I have become stronger, more empathetic, and more loving. For every tear I have shed for my loss, I have smiled and laughed with joy for my open adoption. Watching my birth daughter grow up being loved by her adoptive family heals my heart and brings joy to my soul. Carrying this little person and helping to build a forever family has been an honor.

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and would like to know more about the option of adoption, click here for a free consultation with an adoption professional.

Annaleece Merrill

To find more couples hoping to adopt a baby, visit Adoption.com and look through adoption profiles.

The post Abortion Alternative: What It’s Like To Place A Baby For Adoption appeared first on Abortion Alternatives | Free Adoption Options or Parenting.