Abortion
Adoption
Parenting

Adoption vs. Abortion - Similarities and Differences

Abortion

We know the difficult decision that lies ahead of you. We can empathize and will listen. This decision can be very tough whether you are young, older, single or married. In the end you need to make the best decision for yourself. In order to make that decision you need to make yourself aware of the pros and cons of every option. This decision will effect you both physically and emotionally for the rest of your life. We want you to be happy and confident that you made the right decision for yourself in your unique situation. This website is here to help you make the best decision for you. If you have any questions please call us. The people answering the phone know how difficult your decision is and will listen. No matter what your questions and no matter what time of the day or night we are available for you 24 hours a day. You are not alone!

Adoption

You are doing the right thing by looking at all of your options. Perhaps you think in your mind and heart you just can't take care of a baby right now. You will be glad to know that there are, really, so many good families that can't have a baby, because of infertility, that would love to give your baby a good life. You can actually pick the (prescreened/pre-approved) family, if you want. Open vs. Closed Adoptions With an open adoption you select the parents for your child. You can also select the amount of openness you are willing to share before and after the baby is born with a formal "Adoption Plan". Financial Issues Many adoption agencies do NOT charge the birth mother any fees and will actually assist with living expenses, maternity items and all medical bills. We will help you pick the right agency for you and your situation. Placing your child The timing of your child's placement with his/her adoptive family depends on your wishes and your particular situation. Will my child know me? That depends if you choose a open or closed adoption. The agency will encourage you to provide your complete medical and social history for your child's well-being. I have already chosen a family. We will help you with counseling throughout your adoption process

Parenting

Through working with many young women we understand that adoption is not everyone's choice. If you decide to single parent we will help you by referring you to many community support services; medical care professional counseling parenting classes temporary housing transportation food and clothing financial assistance

Adoption vs. Abortion Similarities
Adoption	Abortion
You can pursue earlier goals and plans. You can live independently.	You can pursue earlier goals and plans. You can live independently.
You will not have to parent prematurely.	You will not have to parent prematurely.
You will be free of the financial burdens of parenting.	You will be free of the financial burdens of parenting.
You will have the freedom to choose if you want to have a long-term relationship with the baby's father.	You will have the freedom to choose if you want to have a long-term relationship with the baby's father.
You can resume your education or career.	You can resume your education or career.

Adoption vs. Abortion Differences
Adoption	Abortion
Your pregnancy ends with giving life.	Your pregnancy ends with death.
You may feel good and positive about your choice.	You may feel guilt and shame about your choice.
You will remember giving birth.	You will remember taking a life.
You will have plenty of time to plan your and your baby's future.	Abortion is final; you can't go back on your decision.
You can hold, name, and love your baby.	You will never know or treasure your baby.
You can have continued contact with your child.	You will miss the opportunity to see your child develop.

Remember that adoption goes a step beyond choosing life for your baby. It is a quality of life decision for you and your child.

Reprinted with permission from Bethany Christian Services. For an information packet about Bethany, call 1-800-613-3188 or visit us on the web at www.bethany.org