Because abortion is illegal in North Carolina after the first trimester, with the exceptions of rape and incest or a life-limiting anomaly, you have two in-state options for your unplanned pregnancy: adoption and parenting.
Keep reading this article to understand your local options and health screenings to take if you are considering traveling out of state for an abortion.
Parenting
Many women with an unexpected pregnancy choose to keep the baby and find parenthood to be a fulfilling choice. However, parenting is a lifetime commitment and requires careful evaluation to see if it fits you best.
Here are a couple of questions to ask yourself if you’re considering parenting:
- How would I provide as a parent?
- Do I have a support system I can count on as I become a parent (and beyond)?
- Am I prepared for how this may impact my career or future plans? How can I pivot to continue moving forward if I am also raising a child?
You don’t have to answer right away, but questions like these should help you consider how raising a child may affect different aspects of your life.
Adoption
Adopting may also be viable if parenting is not in the cards for you. With adoption, you can customize a plan that works for you and your comfort level.
If you’re interested in having a relationship with your child and adoptive family, you can choose an open adoption (which is the majority of US adoptions). However, you can also choose from a closed or semi-adoption to maintain your privacy and prevent any personal details from being disclosed.
At Hope First, we can help refer you to reputable adoption agencies and provide a safe space for you to weigh your options.
Confirm Your Pregnancy Details
Before deciding, you’ll want to confirm your pregnancy with a positive test. These are available at your local drugstore, or our center offers free tests.
You will then want to schedule an ultrasound to provide crucial information, such as the pregnancy’s viability (up to 26% of pregnancies end in natural miscarriage).
An ultrasound can also provide a digital image and confirm the location of the pregnancy. Knowing the location can determine whether it is an ectopic pregnancy, which is a severe health concern.
We offer no-cost, confidential ultrasounds at Hope First, where you can weigh your options and gather more information about your pregnancy. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!