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ADOPTION & ART ATTORNEYS IN MARYLAND, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA & VIRGINIA

ADOPTION & ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY (ART) ATTORNEYS

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      ADOPTIVE FAMILY SERVICES

      Unplanned Pregnancy Options

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     Finding out about an unplanned pregnancy can be overwhelming and scary. A lot of thoughts and questions may be running through your mind

    Here are some commonly asked questions regarding unplanned pregnancy options in DC, MD and VA:

    “I’m pregnant but not ready for another baby.  What can I do?”


    “Should I get an abortion?”


    “What are my options if I’m pregnant?”


    “How do I choose between adoption vs keeping the baby?”

    We have helped many pregnant women find the path that was right for them.  For each woman, that can mean something different.


    Not sure about all of your unplanned pregnancy options in Virginia, Maryland or the District of Columbia?  Contact us online.  We can provide you with more information about adoption and refer you to qualified options counselors — all completely free of charge and with no obligation to make an adoption plan.


    The following guide will help you better understand all of your options for an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., and the laws in those states that may affect your choices:


    We understand that adoption isn’t the right option for every woman facing an unexpected pregnancy in DC, MD, or VA.

    We’re dedicated to supporting women and helping them find the option that’s right for them, no matter what they ultimately decide. The following is a brief overview of all three of your options for pregnancy in DC, VA and MD:

    • OPTION 1 - PARENTING

      If you’re thinking about parenting this child, but you’re not sure if you’re ready, consider:


      • Are you mentally and emotionally ready to raise this child? If you’re not sure, you may benefit from discussing this with a counselor.
      • Are you financially prepared to raise this child? On average, the cost of pregnancy and delivery is about $8,800, and recent estimates say that raising that child will cost about $233,610.

      If you feel that you’re mentally and emotionally ready to parent this child, but not financially ready to be a parent, you might consider seeing if you qualify for state-funded benefit programs that could help you raise your child.


      If you’re uninsured, these tips can help you keep the financial toll of your pregnancy and childbirth to a minimum.


      For more pregnancy and parenting resources, go here. Or, if you’re still deciding between parenting vs adoption, contact us online.

    • OPTION 2 - ABORTION

      The first thing you should do if you’re considering an abortion is contact your doctor and schedule a consultation. A doctor will need to assess how far along you are in your pregnancy and if there are any medical risks to consider in your individual case. These factors can influence which abortion options are available to you.


      Abortion laws vary by state. However, in most states, abortion is only available as an unplanned pregnancy option for women who are in early stages in their pregnancies. Eighty-eight percent of abortions within the U.S. occur via pill form within the first few weeks, and most states don’t perform abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. If You are in the later stages of pregnancy, you may need to consider pregnancy options other than abortion.



      The District of Columbia and the state of Maryland have relatively few new restrictions on abortion access. The state of Virginia, however, has strict abortion regulations and steps you must follow in order to receive an abortion. Review these laws carefully before choosing this as an unplanned pregnancy option if you reside in this state.


    • OPTION 3 - ADOPTION

      Our firm has years of experience representing women who choose adoption after finding out about an unexpected pregnancy in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. However, despite the fact that adoption is an increasingly common way for hopeful parents to become families, there are still many myths about choosing adoption as a woman facing an unexpected pregnancy.


    Unintended pregnancy concerns

    Here are some of the most common worries that women have about choosing this option for an unintended pregnancy in Maryland, Virginia or Washington, D.C., and the facts behind those fears:

    • "It costs money to place a child for adoption.”

      Adoption is free for you. It’s always 100 percent free to place a child for adoption in MD, VA and DC. You may also qualify for birth parent living expenses to help you financially while you’re pregnant.

    • “If I place my baby for adoption, I’ll never be able to see them again.”

      Today, 95 percent of adoptions are open adoptions, which means birth parents stay in touch with their child and the adoptive parents long after the adoption is complete. You can have whatever post-adoption relationship that you want to have with your child and their family. Learn more about open adoptions here.

    • “I don’t want to give my baby away to strangers.”

      Not only do you choose the adoptive parents, but you’ll also choose how much or how little contact you’ll have with them before, during and after the adoption. You’ll have the opportunity to get to know them to whatever extent you’re comfortable with. For many birth and adoptive families, the bond created through adoption lasts a lifetime and feels like extended family. we'll guide you through the process of finding the adoptive parents that are perfect for your baby.

    • “I can’t go through the adoption process without any support.”

      We are passionate about supporting prospective birth parents through every step of the adoption process. We’re always here for you, informing you about all of your options, protecting your rights and providing you with the emotional support that you need to take care of yourself and your baby.

    Involved and supportive birth father

    Learn more about choosing adoption as an unplanned pregnancy option in DC, MD or VA by contacting us online now.

    We can help guide you to find the right adoptive family for your baby.

    Where to Receive Information and Support for an Unexpected Pregnancy

    The following are great sources of information for exploring your unplanned pregnancy options in Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland, including parenting, abortion and adoption. You'll also find pregnancy health tips so you can make an informed decision about the option that’s right for you:




    If you need more resources or information about your unplanned pregnancy options, call us. We are here to support you, no matter what. We will walk you through all of your choices and refer you to whatever local resources you feel you need.

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