Why?

For some people they might feel unable or unwilling to get an abortion, but at the same time aren’t ready to raise a child.

What?

There are three specific options within this larger category:

Adoption

• A permanent and legally binding change of parents for the child. It means that legal responsibility and rights are transferred to someone else. You may have some limited contact with the child depending on what you’re comfortable with.

Special guardianship

• This option is available in the UK. It is a long term arrangement until the child is 18, often allowing you some contact with your child. Special guardianship places the child with someone else who has legal responsibility for the child.

Fostering

• You can consider voluntary foster care as a way of giving yourself more time to decide what to do.

Can I still keep in contact?

Depending on which option you go for, you can determine the level of contact you have with the child after giving birth.

Whatever you decide, it’s important to take time, because once a court order is in place it cannot be reversed if you change your mind.

Regrets

After going though with either of these options, it’s possible that you might have some regrets about the decision.

There is lots of help and support available to you. either through your trusted people or through professional organisations. We have made a list resources for you to Find Help which you can also use.

How do you feel?

Take some time to imagine the family the child might be placed with. Imagine the life you might lead after.

Make a note of any thoughts or feelings you have about this.

Want to explore the other options?