Overwhelmed? Confused?
Not sure where to start or what your options are?
Megan also provides some helpful information for expectant mothers considering adoption.
Take a moment to breathe. An unplanned pregnancy can be stressful, but it’s very common. The best thing for you to do is to learn what your rights and options are.
When faced with an unexpected pregnancy, there is a lot to consider. For some deciding what to do is clean and for others it’s more complicated. Your decision is personal and only you can make the choice that is right for you and your child.
If you are considering adoption, you can choose to work with an agency or pursue an independent adoption, both of which allow you to choose the adoptive parents.
You have the right to choose between an open or closed adoption.
Open Adoption
No two adoptions are the same and every open adoption will look different from another. As the biological mother, your adoption plan is entirely up to you. You will determine how much contact you have with the family and the child as he/she grows up. As long as you and the adoptive family are on the same page, you can personalize your open adoption however you see fit.
Closed Adoption
If you know that contact with the child and family isn’t for you, then you can consider a closed adoption. You will still choose the adoptive family for your child but you won’t receive updates throughout their life. Keep in mind with modern technology and DNA registries, you may end up in a situation where your biological child unexpectedly contacts you years later.
There are pros and cons to an open or closed adoption and we strongly recommend speaking with an adoption specialist before you make your decision. Most adoption professionals agree that some form of openness is what is best for the child.
Megan can assist with connecting you with an adoptive family. Families wanting to adopt must have a home study done to ensure their home is appropriate and safe for a child. Families must also complete background checks before a child is placed with them.
Assistance throughout the Adoption Process
You have a right to your own attorney, at no cost to you.
Despite the comfort you may have knowing you made the right choice for yourself and your baby, it is perfectly normal to experience a variety of emotions during your pregnancy and after the child is with the adoptive couple.
We strongly recommend that you take advantage of available support, specifically counseling with a professional who has adoption experience. Family and friends can offer you a lot of support and encouragement, but finding a professional who is familiar with adoption can significantly improve your emotional well-being both during and after your pregnancy and also help you discuss your plan.
Megan can help you find the resources you need to take care of you during your adoption process and after.
Under Kansas law, adoptive parents are able to provide financial assistance during your pregnancy. You can receive assistance for medical expenses related to your pregnancy, medical expenses for the child, and reasonable living expenses during your pregnancy.
If you are not already seeing a doctor, Megan and her team can help arrange for you to receive medical care.
With compassion and understanding, Megan Monsour helps expectant mothers make informed decisions that are right for them.
If adoption is right for you, you are able to place your child in a home where he or she will receive abundant love and attention. Megan is dedicated to doing all she can to help expectant mothers through this difficult time. Please contact Megan at 316-267-2000 to discuss your situation.
Additional Resources
Have questions?
We would love to chat with you about your options.