Guide to Unplanned Pregnancy as a Teenager
Learning about your unplanned teenage pregnancy may feel overwhelming in the moment. You are not the first person to go through an unplanned pregnancy and you won’t be the last. You are not alone. Call 1-800-ADOPTION right now to get free, unbiased support on your options moving forward.
We can get you the help you need, whatever that looks like for you. .
Fill out our form to get more free information about how to deal with unplanned teenage pregnancy.
How to Deal with Unplanned Teenage Pregnancy in Iowa
When it comes to your unplanned teenage pregnancy, you may not know what to do next. These five steps are a great place to start:
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Step 1: Confirm your pregnancy.
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Step 2: Sort through your feelings.
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Step 3: Explore your options.
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Step 4: Build a support system.
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Step 5: Get professional support for your choice.
When it comes to step two and sorting through your feelings, our unplanned pregnancy counseling can help.
You will get guidance, support and resources for your unplanned teenage pregnancy and whatever you decide to do. Only you can know what’s right for you, your baby and your situation.
Call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak to someone immediately or contact us online to learn more about your unplanned teenage pregnancy options in Iowa.
Teenage Pregnancy Statistics
When it comes to teenage pregnancy statistics, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Center for Health Statistics released this report in 2023 that said unintended pregnancy rates declined by 52% from 2010 to 2019 for ages 15-19.
The teenage birth rate in the US has been declining since 1991 with abstinence and birth control cited as evidence for the continually declining birth rates.
Teenage pregnancy statistics are important to consider when thinking about your future, both personally and professionally. Pregnancy and birth are big contributors to high school dropout rates among women.
Only about 50% of teen moms get their high school diploma by age 22 while around 90% of women who do not give birth during adolescence graduate from high school.
Unplanned teenage pregnancy and unplanned pregnancies in general, are more common than you think. Just under half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are unintended.
Use this form to find out more about the consequences of unplanned teenage pregnancy and how it may affect your situation and decision.
Unplanned Teenage Pregnancy in Iowa [Your Options]
At the end of the day, you have three options for your unplanned teenage pregnancy.
Parenting
Becoming a parent is a big responsibility, it can be one of the most important and fulfilling undertakings of your life.
The risks of unplanned teenage pregnancy and parenting have to do with all the things that go in to being a parent. Consider these questions:
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Can you afford to raise a child? The most recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture says that it would cost $233,610 to raise a child through age 17.
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Do you have a support system? Depending on if the birth father is in the picture or not, you may need the support of a partner as well as family and friends.
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What are your goals? Whether personally or professionally, these goals would need to be balanced with all the responsibilities of parenthood.
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Do you want to parent? Parenting is hard. Not feeling ready or wanting to at this point in your life is OK.
Abortion
Terminating your pregnancy is another option you have when it comes to figuring out how to deal with unplanned teenage pregnancy in Iowa.
Two factors to think about are the cost, both monetary and emotional. Depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, it can cost between $500-$2,000 in addition to other medical charges that come with the procedure like an ultrasound, the “morning-after” pill, birth control and any further medical treatment.
Emotionally, it can bring an immediate sense of relief but it could impact you months or years down the road. You are not alone in having these feelings with your unplanned teenage pregnancy. But the majority of women do not regret their decision over time.
There are other things you need to think about if considering abortion because each state has different laws. In Iowa, abortion is banned after 21 weeks, 6 days and if you are under the age of 18, you must notify a parent or legal guardian to get an abortion.
Adoption
Adoption might be an option for you. Choosing adoption means:
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A loving family for your baby
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Help with rent and bills
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A brighter future for everyone involved
When talking about adoption, “giving up” your baby is commonly used phrasing but “giving up” is the last thing you’re doing. Choosing adoption for your baby is putting their needs ahead of your own. That’s a brave, selfless decision.
Adoption gives your baby a world of opportunity while allowing you to improve your life while pursuing your dreams and goals.
Cost can be a prohibitive factor for parenting and abortion but when it comes to your unplanned teenage pregnancy, adoption is always 100% free for you. And when you work with a full-service, national adoption agency like ours, not only is it completely free, but you’ll have all the services you need to complete your adoption under one roof.
That includes:
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Financial assistance for medical and living expenses
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Help to create a personalized adoption plan
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A variety of adoptive families to choose from
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References to legal representation and additional professionals
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And more
Adoption with us means being in charge of every aspect of your journey while getting the support you deserve. You’ll have an adoption specialist by your side throughout the journey for whatever concerns or needs arise.
Call 1-800-ADOPTION if you need immediate support to figure out how to deal with your unplanned teenage pregnancy in Iowa or fill out our form to learn more about the support we can provide.
Disclaimer
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