You Have Options

In Florida, you have three options for your unplanned pregnancy. They include the following:

• Making an Adoption Plan
• Parenting
• Abortion

Adoption

Adoption is a viable option throughout your pregnancy and even after giving birth. In Florida, an expectant mother is automatically granted legal custody of the child. She must wait 48 hours before she can consent to the adoption. A woman must receive thorough adoption counseling before signing because the consent is binding and effective immediately.

There are three adoption plans: open, semi-open, and closed. The plan chosen is based on the amount of communication an expectant mother wishes to have with her child and their adoptive family. Research suggests some level of openness is best for everyone. The expectant mother can be more active in her child’s life, and the child learns about their biological family and history.

If a woman chooses an open or semi-open adoption plan, she selects the adoptive parents who raise her child. She can meet them before giving birth and begin building a close relationship.  She and the family can agree on the frequency of communication and updates regarding the child’s growth and development.  Adoption is not an easy choice, but an expectant mother can take charge of the process and plan her child’s future.

Parenting

Florida has many assistance programs to help single mothers. If you are ready to parent your child, here are a few of the programs available to you:

• Florida KidCare (SCHIP)
• Florida Medicaid
• Florida Food Assistance Program
• Florida Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)

We have connections to several pregnancy resource centers in Florida that can assist you with information about prenatal care, childbirth, and parenting. In addition, many provide material assistance such as diapers, wipes, baby clothes, and accessories.

Abortion

Abortion is legal in Florida through 15 weeks of pregnancy. Gov. DeSantis signed a six-week ban, which is currently being contested in the courts. There are two main types of abortion: medical (also known as the abortion pill) and surgical. Which method a woman has is determined by the length of her pregnancy.

The FDA has approved the use of the abortion pill through 10 weeks only. The Mayo Clinic suggests not using the medical abortion method after 9 weeks. For her health and safety, a woman must confirm her pregnancy before scheduling an abortion.

An ultrasound confirms if the pregnancy is viable (growing with a detectable heartbeat) or if a woman has had a miscarriage. Statistics show 1 in 4 pregnancies ends in a natural miscarriage. Ultrasound also confirms the length of the pregnancy and if the location is safe.

Although they do not provide or refer for abortion, many pregnancy resource centers offer free ultrasounds and options consultations. You can learn about the procedures, side effects, and potential risks of abortion beforehand.