Your 3 Options for an Unplanned Pregnancy [in Kansas]

When you’re experiencing an unplanned pregnancy in Kansas, there are probably plenty of questions swarming through your mind:

• Is abortion the right path for me?
• What if I can’t afford to raise a child?
• Can I put my child up for adoption in Kansas?

Chauniece, a birth mother who worked with American Adoptions of Kansas, experienced what many birth mothers do at first.

“I had a lot of thoughts going through my head, trying to figure out what I was going to do with my unborn daughter,” she said. “Luckily, my older sister helped me with the adoption process, getting in touch with American Adoptions and finding a wonderful family to take care of her.”

An unplanned pregnancy in Kansas can be overwhelming, but adoption is always an option. This guide provides an overview of the three main choices you have.

If you feel ready to speak with an adoption professional, then our team at American Adoptions of Kansas is happy to help you at any time. Give us a call at-1-800-ADOPTION; you can also get free adoption information now or browse waiting hopeful adoptive parents.

For prospective adoptive parents who want more information on how to adopt a child, you can fill out our online contact form.

Your Unplanned Pregnancy Options in Kansas

When you have an unexpected pregnancy in Kansas, there are typically three options you can choose from:

1. Parenting
2. Adoption
3. Abortion

Though American Adoptions of Kansas works with pregnant women considering adoption, we recognize that there are many paths pregnant women take, and we respect whatever decision you make.

Regardless of where you live, you can always call 1-800-ADOPTION for free, 24/7 counseling to learn more about adoption as one of your unplanned pregnancy options. In the meantime, though, continue reading for more details on each of your pregnancy options in Kansas.

Option 1: Abortion in Kansas

One of your three pregnancy options in Kansas is an abortion, and if this seems like the right option for you, then your first step should be consulting your doctor. They will explain your abortion options and bring up any health concerns they may have based on your medical records.

 

Because you’re considering abortion in Kansas, there are some laws worth familiarizing yourself with. According to the Guttmacher Institute, as of January 2021, these Kansas abortion laws were in effect:

• You must receive state-directed counseling and then wait 24 hours before the procedure is given.
• Your insurance will cover abortion only in cases of life endangerment, but you can buy an optional rider at an extra cost.
• If you’re a minor, then you will need parental consent before an abortion is given.
• Public funding for abortion is available only in cases of life endangerment, rape or incest.
• You will need to undergo an ultrasound before getting an abortion, and you’ll be offered an option to view the image.
• Abortions are given at 20 or more weeks post-fertilization (22 weeks after your last menstrual period) only in cases of life endangerment or severely compromised physical health.

 

All three unplanned pregnancy options in Kansas come with their own emotional difficulties, and abortion is no exception. Our free, 24/7 counseling hotline is available whenever you need it. We’re an adoption agency, but we won’t push you to choose adoption; we simply want to help.

Option 2: Parenting in Kansas

When you’re experiencing an unintended pregnancy in Kansas, you’ll likely be asking yourself, “Am I ready to raise a child?” Here are a handful of things to think about:

• According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average cost of parenting is estimated at $233,610 as of February 2020.
• If you need financial help, then your local Kansas WIC program can help you pay for groceries and other necessities.
• Kansas’ Child Care Subsidy Program helps families with the costs of child care, and you can see if you’re eligible.
• There are other Kansas benefit programs that may be able to help you cover child care costs.

 

If you don’t have insurance, then these are some tips that can help make your unplanned pregnancy less expensive. But, money isn’t the only facet of parenting worth considering, as there are many emotional components you need to think about, as well:

• Your support system. Raising a child is a monumental task, and doing it alone is even harder. Think about whether you can rely on your child’s father for support and commitment. You may also have family or close friends who can be a good support system for dealing with an unexpected pregnancy.
• Your goals for the future. Having a new baby is a time-consuming endeavor, and you’ll need to change your priorities accordingly. You may have to give particular educational and career goals a rain check.
• Your emotional and mental readiness. Experiencing an unintended pregnancy is often overwhelming, and making this decision requires plenty of careful consideration.

Option 3: Adoption in Kansas

You may be considering adoption for your unplanned pregnancy in Kansas, but you might have some concerns surrounding the process. It is completely normal to have these worries, and they usually indicate that you just want the best for your baby and yourself.

Here are some of those common worries about adoption in Kansas and the facts to help dispel them:

• If you’re concerned about not having a relationship with your child, then it’s worth mentioning that 9 out of 10 birth mothers choose open adoption.
• If you’re concerned about the expenses of adoption, then rest assured that adoption is free for you, and you may be eligible for living expenses and extra benefits.
• If you’re concerned about placing your baby with strangers, then you should know that you get to choose and know the adoptive family; you can also maintain as little or as much post-placement contact that you’re comfortable with.

***

No matter what decision you end up making with your unexpected pregnancy in Kansas, you deserve all the support. This is likely one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make, and it’s unfair of others to judge you or attempt to sway you one way or another. Only you can know what’s best for you right now.

Sara, a birth mother who worked with American Adoptions of Kansas, made this difficult decision, too. She eventually chose adoption, and it’s what has worked best for her.

“It’s very rough in the beginning, but it does get better,” she said. “It takes you a while to realize that what you did was the best thing, and, regardless of the situation that put you there, there’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

You can always reach out to us about unplanned pregnancy options in Kansas. Just give us a call at 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with one of our experienced professionals. You can also get more information online now. It’s completely free and non-judgmental.

 

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.