An Unplanned Pregnancy

Before you read on, please know that this page is not meant to cover or offer solutions for every aspect of your situation. If you need someone to talk to start with Options for Women. They are ready to listen.

CHOOSING THE BEST FOR YOU & YOUR BABY

It’s a jarring shift for anyone to go from processing a relationship that has become sexual to trying to figure out what to do about a newly conceived life. Even if you’ve always believed that life is precious and that babies deserve the chance to live, experiencing an unplanned pregnancy yourself can be overwhelming. You find that it’s more complex than just a yes or no decision. All the things that are at stake, added to many new emotions, can leave you feeling confused and afraid. What should you consider as you try to decide the best options for both you and this new life?

CONSIDERATION ONE: The gift of life

Every human life has value regardless of the circumstances. That goes for both you and your baby. You were both created in the image of God and were fearfully and wonderfully made. All of your days were written in God’s book before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:13-16). Even though you don’t know your future or the future of this baby’s life, your decisions affect both. Pray that God will help you make choices that preserve His best for both of you—to allow you both to experience the full life He offers. As Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

CONSIDERATION TWO: The responsibilities ahead

If you’ve chosen to give birth to your baby, you have already taken a heroic step. But that’s just the beginning. There is great  responsibility involved in caring for a child in both the short- and long-term. Being a parent means learning to lay down your life as a servant for your child (Philippians 2:3-7). Many mothers choose to take on this responsibility alone. However, some find the responsibilities are greater than they ever imagined and that despite the sacrifices they make, their children are left with great disadvantages. 

If you hope to raise this child yourself, you should pray about where the child’s father fits in. A father can make a huge difference in a child’s life—for better or worse. Often, an unplanned pregnancy can uncover a man’s true character and make it clear whether or not he has the courage and discipline to be a good husband or father. There are times, however, when a man who has been irresponsible about sex outside of marriage can still become the man you and your child need. With a lot of work and Biblical counsel, it’s possible to make even an unplanned family work.

CONSIDERATION THREE: The hope of redemption

God is in the business of turning situations that feel like a mess into “happily ever after” stories. Having your child’s father commit to the long-term responsibilities of marriage and parenting can provide a hopeful story of redemption. When that’s not the case, however, the best opportunity for your child may be adoption by parents who are prepared and excited for the responsibilities ahead. There can be great heartache in holding your new baby and then giving them over to someone else, but it can be the most loving choice you can make for your child’s future. It also can be an answer to prayer for a couple who has been waiting and hoping to adopt children of their own.

GOING FURTHER: Resources

Recommended REsources 

• Counseling Resources: Options for Women or Counseling Care
• Learn more about abortion via the Family Resource Council
• CrisisPregnancy offers a large collection of articles and links regarding your pregnancy, adoption issues, and support for each step.
• After an abortion, Conquerors is here to walk with you every step of the way.
• A Culture of Life - A Sermon by Senior Pastor Roy Fruits
• Right to Life - A Blog by Senior Pastor Roy Fruits
• Episodes 15 & 16 of the Rockpoint Podcast