Feeling Trapped? You Have the Power to Choose
If you’re feeling pressured to keep a pregnancy you don’t want, you have the legal right to make your own decision. Whether it’s a parent, partner, or anyone else trying to force you to parent, you are protected by law.
💡 Get free, confidential support now: Contact us for free today.
This guide will help you understand your options, your rights, and how to take control of your pregnancy decision.
Let’s start by answering some important questions about being pressured to choose a pregnancy option.
Can Someone Really Force You to Keep a Baby? Here’s the Truth
No. No one can legally force you to keep an unwanted pregnancy.
If parenting isn’t an option and abortion is not right for you, adoption is always a choice. While some individuals—such as the baby’s father or family members—might pressure you, they cannot make you parent if you choose adoption.
🚨 Know Your Rights:
- Adoption is a voluntary choice.
- Only you can legally sign adoption paperwork.
- Even if the father is involved, he cannot force you to parent.
- If you’re a minor, parental influence can feel overwhelming—but they cannot legally force you to keep the baby.
What If My Parents or Partner Don’t Support My Decision?
Those individuals pressuring you to keep a baby may be uneducated about what adoption is and how it works. In that case, you can explain the benefits of adoption and working with a licensed agency.
Getting unsupportive family members on board can be challenging, but you can never be forced to keep an unwanted pregnancy.
If your family or partner disagrees with adoption, here are steps you can take:
✔️ Educate Them About Adoption: Many people don’t fully understand how modern adoption works. Explain that you can:
- Choose the adoptive family
- Maintain contact through open adoption
- Receive free support and financial assistance
✔️ Get Professional Support: An adoption professional can help mediate conversations and provide information to your family.
✔️ Know That You Are Not Alone: Thousands of women have successfully made an adoption plan despite outside pressure.
💡 Explore real stories of women like you: Read birth mother testimonials.
Do I Have to Put My Baby Up for Adoption?
No. You do not have to place an unwanted baby for adoption.
Parenting is always an option, and abortion may be an option. So, if you’re being pressured to put your baby up for adoption by a parent or family member, it’s important that you understand only you can decide what to do for your pregnancy.
Knowing your situation and what the best decision is for you is the only thing that matters. You cannot be forced into placing your child for adoption if you feel like parenting is something you’re ready to take on.
For comparison’s sake, you can take this link to get a side-by-side look at parenting vs. adoption.
What If I’m Being Pressured to Get an Abortion?
A 2018 study found that nearly 75% of women who had an abortion felt some pressure to do so. If someone is pressuring you:
- Know that you have options: Parenting and adoption are available choices.
- Seek support: Reach out to a counselor or adoption professional for guidance.
- Educate yourself: Learn about the emotional and legal aspects of abortion.
💡 Compare abortion vs. adoption: Helpful resources.
Adoption is Always an Option: You Are in Control
Whether you’re thinking, “I want to give my baby up, but my mother is forcing me to keep the baby,” or you’re being forced to give up your baby for adoption, the most important thing to remember is you are in complete control of your pregnancy.
Only you can decide which pregnancy option is best for you, and if you aren’t receiving the support you need, a professional is ready to provide you with important resources.
How Does the Adoption Process Work?
If you decide that adoption is the best choice, here’s what the process looks like:
Step 1: Connect with an Adoption Professional
- Receive free, 24/7 support
- Learn about your rights and options
Step 2: Create a Personalized Adoption Plan
- Decide what type of adoption you want (open, semi-open, or closed)
- Choose the level of contact you want with the adoptive family
Step 3: Choose the Right Adoptive Family
- Browse pre-screened adoptive parents
- Pick a family that aligns with your values
Step 4: Receive Support During Your Pregnancy
- Access financial assistance for housing, medical care, and more
- Get legal representation at no cost
Step 5: Complete the Adoption Process
- Sign paperwork only when you’re 100% ready
- Continue your relationship with your child through open adoption (if desired)
❤️ The right adoptive family is waiting—start your plan today. See waiting families now.
Do I Need the Father’s Consent for Adoption?
This depends on your state’s adoption laws. In some cases:
- If the father is unknown or uninvolved, you may not need his consent.
- If the father disagrees, a legal process will determine if you can move forward.
- Adoption professionals can help you navigate legal requirements in your state.
🔎 Find out what your state allows: Learn more about adoption laws near you.
What If I Change My Mind?
Adoption is always your choice. If you begin the process but later decide to parent, you can change your mind anytime before signing final paperwork.
✅ No one can force you to complete an adoption plan if you decide to parent instead.
You Are in Control of Your Pregnancy Decision
Whether you’re thinking, “I want to give my baby up, but my mother is forcing me to keep it,” or you’re facing pressure to choose a different option, remember:
🚨 No one can make this decision for you.
If you’re struggling with pressure from parents, a partner, or anyone else, you deserve support from professionals who understand your situation.
📞 Get free, confidential help today: Contact an adoption professional now.