Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be frightening, but you don’t have to face this alone. Help is available. However, in the end, you’re the only one who can decide the best option for you.

When faced with an unplanned pregnancy in Florida, you generally have four options: parenting, relative/family/or other out-of-home placement, adoption and abortion.

 

PARENTING

Parenting has often been described as the most difficult, yet most rewarding experience. It can be challenging, but also rewarding. Parenting is a lifetime commitment.

The more you understand the responsibilities of parenting, the more prepared you will be if you choose to continue with your pregnancy and parent your child. Included in understanding the responsibilities is understanding the costs of raising a child including necessities (safe housing, food, diapers, clothing, medical care) and if you will be working reliable childcare. There are some resources available to help some families in need, these include WIC, food stamps, subsidized housing, and Medicaid.

You also should consider the physical, emotional, and financial support you may or may not receive from the father of your child, as well as other family members and friends. Will you be a single parent, and if so, are you able to be the sole provider and caregiver for your child?

If you are able to provide unconditional love and care for someone who completely depends upon you, perhaps parenting is the right decision for you.

 

RELATIVE OR FAMILY PLACEMENT

Some people have a family member or friend willing to provide and care for your child. If you are confident in their ability and willingness to raise your child, this may be a viable option for you.

 

ADOPTION

In Florida, adoption is the act of surrendering your parental rights to another and allowing them to raise your child as a legal parent. A Florida Adoption Agency or Florida Adoption Lawyer can assist you with an adoption plan, should you decide this is the best path for you and your child.

The adoption process can vary depending upon your individual situation. Madonna and her team stand ready to address the legal and emotional aspects of adoption, should you choose adoption. Madonna is the only Board Certified Adoption Lawyer in the panhandle of Florida and her birth mother support team is lead by a Licensed Mental Health Professional, with appropriate education and training to afford women professional services when making an adoption plan.

Remember, it’s never too late to consider adoption, even if you are close to delivery, are at the hospital, or have come home with your child.

 

ABORTION

As of 2020, you can obtain an abortion in Florida up to the 24th week of pregnancy. This means  23 weeks and six days from your last period. After that, you will have to decide on parenting, relative or family placement, or adoption.

If you’re considering abortion, it’s essential that you seek out medical advice from a licensed medical care provider. There are several types of abortion procedures, and different procedures are appropriate for different stages of pregnancy.

 

The Adoption Law Offices of Madonna Finney is committed to helping women, like yourself, evaluate your unplanned or unwanted pregnancy options in Florida. We will not judge you for your decisions. We hope to walk alongside you in your time of need and provide information that will help you make the best decision for you and your child. Ultimately, if adoption is the option you choose, we can help you make an adoption plan for your child

We stand ready to answer your questions about your unexpected or unwanted pregnancy in Florida. There is no cost or obligation and your call is confidential. You can call or text 24/7/365 at (850) 308-1836. Our website www.madonnafinney.com also has information which may be helpful to you.

We have offices in Pensacola, Tallahassee and Franklin County, we serve the entire Panhandle and North Central Florida, including Ocala, Gainesville, Perry, Madison, DeFuniak Springs, Milton, Marianna and Crestview.