crisis pregnancy
Question and Answer
My pregnant daughter has her whole life still ahead of her. Would it be better for her to place her baby with a family through adoption, parent her baby or have an abortion?
Your daughter faces many options. Guide her as she considers:
Adoption
- How much do you and she actually know about how adoption works today?
- Would this option free her to continue the life she'd planned for herself?
- Have you considered the statistics which dramatically demonstrate the importance of a father in a child's life?
- Help her weigh the pros and cons.
Parenting the child
- Will she move out and raise the child on her own?
- What are the financial implications?
- What role are you willing to take in the child's upbringing?
- Will she depend on you to help her raise the baby? (Explain that, as the mother, she is the parent.)
- Sort through your own feelings and only offer that with which you feel comfortable.
Marriage
- Is your daughter in love or simply trying to remedy the situation?
- Are they mature enough to bear the responsibilities of marriage and be effective parents?
- What are the long-term implications? Another mistake — divorce?
- Objectively and lovingly share your concerns. Then give her freedom to make the decision.
Abortion
- Refuse to worry about your family's reputation. It does not matter what other people may think when they see her pregnant.
- If you and your daughter believe — as the Bible clearly states — that life begins at conception, your faith and convictions will eliminate abortion as a "choice."
- Serve as a steady, rational voice when your daughter is tempted to overlook her beliefs.
Background Information
Behind the Scenes of a Teen Pregnancy
A look at the thoughts and feelings she — and you — are going through.
Abortion Risks
While abortion seems like a "quick fix" for a long-term problem, it is a permanent decision that carries physical, emotional and spiritual risks.
Deciding About Adoption
When considering adoption as an alterative to raising your baby, these answers may dispel adoption myths.
Questions and Answers
Why do I feel like this pregnancy has pulled me in so many different directions? I feel so overwhelmed with all the ramifications of this decision I must make. How can I sort it all out?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
Things Seen and Unseen
A woman in a white coat walked into the room and flipped on the fluorescent lights, jarring my wife awake. The jarring was just beginning.
Left to Suffer
Abortion can leave a woman feeling more empty and alone than she ever dreamed possible.
Life is Sacred
Sometimes the choices we make bring pain. Thankfully, one woman turned to God for healing.
Taboo Grief: Men and Abortion
It's not something most men talk about, but the ones who've lost a child to abortion bear many scars.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
Faith Helps
God may be the only person who understands what you're going through.
What the Choice is All About
For a long time it baffled me. I could never understand why anyone would want to be pro-choice. But this past week I finally got it.
Related Topics
Relationships: Blended Families, Parents and Adult Children
Transitions: Preparing for Adolescence, Empty Nest
