I’M PREGNANT

YOU HAVE 3 CHOICES:

PARENTING

Unplanned pregnancy is an important and common decision faced by women. In fact, about 1/2 of all women in the U.S. have an unplanned pregnancy at some point in their life.

Every woman’s situation is different, and only you can decide what is best in your case. Consider your feelings, values, principles & beliefs about raising a child. Talk to someone you trust about it.

Whether you choose adoption or to become a parent, if there is a chance you will continue the pregnancy, you should begin prenatal care ASAP. Have a medical exam ear- ly in your pregnancy and regularly to make sure you are healthy and the preg- nancy is normal.

ABORTION

A legal, safe procedure that ends a pregnancy. People have different feelings after an abor- tion: relief, grief, sad- ness, happiness, or all of these at once. But there is no“right” way to feel.

Abortion does not cause long-term depression or mental health problems. Some states require mi- nors to seek parentalcon- sent before getting an abortion.

Abortion is one of the saf- est surgical procedures for women in the U.S. Fewer than 0.5% of wom- en obtaining professional abortions in clean medical environments experience a complication.

ADOPTION

A permanent, legal agree- ment where you give birth and agree to place your child in the care of another person or family perma- nently.

Family, relationships, mon- ey, school, work, life goals, personal beliefs, and the well-being of your future child— most people think carefully about all of these things before choosing adoption.

It’s important to get factu- al, non-judgmental infor- mation about your preg- nancy options. Support from other people you trust can also help you fig- ure out if adoption is right for you.

HOT LINES:

AAA Crisis Pregnancy Center: 1-800-560-0717
Pregnancy Support: 1-800-4-OPTIONS (1-800-467-8466)
Pregnancy National Helpline: 1-800-356-5761

SAFE SURRENDER

In California, Safely Surrendered Baby Law establishes a procedure for the voluntary surrender of a baby within 72 hours of birth. Under this law, parent(s) can safely surrender their baby and be protected from prosecution for child abandonment. This law makes it easier for a parent to surrender a baby who might otherwise abandon their baby in an unsafe place.