There are many reasons why a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy would choose adoption for her baby, but the one factor that almost all have in common is the desire she has to give her baby the kind of life that she cannot provide for him or her at the present time.

One birth mother summed up her reasons for choosing adoption with this thought:

“I once heard a girl who had decided to parent her child say, “My baby’s the best thing that ever happened to me.” I believed her. But I wanted to ask, “Are you the best thing that could’ve happened to your baby?”…Had I loved my son any less—one ounce less—he would be with me now! My love for him was the only thing that could enable me to break my own heart. I didn’t just feel love; I did what love dictated.”

Many women facing an unexpected pregnancy find themselves in a difficult situation with many hard decisions ahead of them. Friends and family members may suggest parenting and maybe even offer to help. Others suggest an abortion so that she can move on from her “burden” as quickly as possible. It may be these very conversations that lead a mother to turn to adoption as an option. She may feel uneasy about other’s suggestions and knows in her heart that she wants to give her child the opportunity to live a full and wonderful life, even if it means not being the one to experience all of it with them. Friends and family who wonders how she can “give her baby up” do not understand that adoption is not about giving anything up, but about giving more. Giving a child a life they might not otherwise have.

Adoption is when a mother lovingly chooses a family to raise her child for her when she cannot. The adoptive family then takes the child into their family and raises and loves them as their own. It is as hard and as beautiful as that.

An expectant mother considering an adoption plan for her child soon learns that all she dreams for her child can be found through an adoption agency, where hopeful adoptive parents are carefully screened to make sure they are qualified to give her child everything she hopes for them. Some of those hopes may be a loving and stable home, a mother and a father, financial stability, a quality education, even recreational activities and lessons that help a child to pursue their own dreams and have many opportunities in life. We have many adoptive families who are all hoping, praying and waiting to welcome a child into their home and family.

There are other reasons that an expectant mother considers adoption for her baby and we are prepared to be by her side no matter her circumstances.

She may find herself facing legal issues, either on parole or serving a sentence of some kind. We are qualified to help women during these situations as well. We have worked with the legal system many times to help women make an adoption plan.

If a woman finds herself in an abusive relationship or is concerned about privacy, we can offer safe and comfortable housing that is completely confidential. We have apartments and condominiums that are safe and clean and in areas near shopping centers and activities.

Expectant mothers who find themselves in a homeless situation or do not have the financial means to raise a child at this time also consider adoption to get help with pregnancy related expenses and find a family who is able to provide for her child. If she chooses to come to us we will cover all of the expenses of travel, living arrangements and medical care. We can also help with expenses for 6 weeks after returning home to help her get back on her feet.

Many women also choose adoption because they know it is a way for them to stay connected to their child, while also making sure they have the life they want for them. Expectant mothers can choose an open or a closed adoption and have the option of receiving pictures, letters, updates and even phone calls and visits with their child throughout their life. A mother and the adoptive family they choose will be able to discuss how little or how much they would like them to share with your child.

Expectant mothers also look to adoption for their child when they do not have the support they need in their families or community. We know you have many decisions to make in the next few months and we are here for you. We want you to know that you are never alone. Our commitment to you is to help you through this difficult time and to show you the options that are yours. We have a deep love and respect for birth mothers and consider it a privilege to walk this path with you.

At A Guardian Angel, we have many services that can give you the support you need. We have birth parent programs uniquely suited to all kinds of situations. We also have amazing staff members, many are adoptive moms or birth mothers themselves. Because of this, they feel a unique bond with you and a desire to help you have a positive outcome with your unplanned pregnancy. Our staff wants you to have the best care available and a plan that fits your needs. At A Guardian Angel we promise to be here for you from the first time you call throughout your adoption journey and beyond.