Unplanned pregnancies are just that — unplanned. They can happen at any point in your life, no matter your age.
It’s a common misconception that adoption is chosen by young, single women in crisis who feel they can’t provide for a child. While this is the case for some, many prospective birth mothers are in their 30 or 40s, married, have a stable home life and already have kids of their own. An unplanned pregnancy can happen to anyone at any age.
Whether you’re still finding your place in the world, already have kids or have already raised a family, or anything in between, adoption is always an option for you. There is no age limit when it comes to giving your baby an amazing life. You can always place your baby for adoption in your 20s, 30s or 40s.
“Giving Your Baby Up” for Adoption in Your 20s, 30s and 40s
There are many reasons why prospective birth mothers choose to place their babies for adoption. You might have life goals you still want to pursue, aren’t ready to raise a child or you feel your family is already complete.
No matter what your lifestyle, medical history or home life looks like, adoption is a brave and selfless decision. When you work with the right adoption agency, you will have access to many helpful services and resources such as:
Putting My Baby Up for Adoption in My 20s
Unplanned pregnancies are overwhelming at any age. If you’re in your 20s, you probably have a lot that you’re still trying to figure out. You’re just beginning to make a life for yourself.
An unexpected pregnancy can feel like an obstacle in the path you had planned out for your life. You may have had plans to:
- Further your education
- Build your career
- Travel
- Other goals
An unplanned pregnancy can make these goals feel out of reach. You may even experience feelings of shame or guilt. Just know that there are adoption professionals who are ready to help you navigate this complicated time in your life and potentially help dispel these emotions.
Knowing that adoption is always available to you can shed some light on your situation. Here are some things to take into consideration:
Can I financially support a child?
Studies show that it costs an average of $233,000 to raise a child to the age of 18. This isn’t including college tuition or non-necessities you may want. You may have just started paying for college or beginning your career. This may be difficult if you’re financially supporting a child.
As a birth mother, adoption is completely free to you. You will even be able to receive financial assistance that can go towards pregnancy costs and living expenses throughout your adoption process.
Do I have a support system?
While many single parents have successfully raised children, there’s no denying that it is a difficult feat. Tackling the responsibilities on your own can be a lot to handle.
Is the baby’s birth father going to help you care for your child? Do you have family that supports your decision? If you don’t have a support system, single-parenting as a young mother can be overwhelming.
What about my life goals?
At this point in your life, you might be wanting to finish up with college or begin focusing on your career. Or maybe you want to take time to travel and explore your other interests. Parenting a child may not align with these goals.
Putting your child up for adoption in your 20s allows you to give your child a life of opportunity while getting back to your own personal goals.
Am I ready to raise a child?
Giving your baby up for adoption in your 20s may just come down to not feeling ready to become a parent at this point in your life. Choosing adoption is choosing to give your baby the amazing life you know they deserve while focusing on growing as an individual.
Placing a Baby for Adoption in My 30s
It’s a common assumption that women who experienced an unwanted pregnancy are in their teens or 20s, but an unplanned pregnancy can happen to anyone at any time. It’s incredibly common for women in their 30’s consider adoption for their baby. You might be:
- Parenting other children. Many women who pursue adoption in response to an unplanned pregnancy already have children. Adding another member to your family may be emotionally overwhelming with the additional responsibilities and financial needs.
- Focusing on your career. If you’re devoted to your career or focusing on rising through the ranks, raising a child might not be realistic.
- Dealing with financial strain. You may be able to parent a child, but doing so would stretch your financial resources too thin. This would make it difficult to adequately provide for your family and an additional newborn.
Parenting a child or adding another child to your family might feel impossible in your 30s. Adoption is a brave and selfless choice and could be the best decision you make for yourself and your baby. You are the only one who gets to decide how you handle your unplanned pregnancy.
If you feel adoption is in the best interest of you and your baby, get in touch with an adoption professional today.
“Giving my Baby Up” for Adoption in my 40s
Even if you’re further into your life, unplanned pregnancies can still happen. If you’re in your 40s, experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and not wanting to parent, adoption is still an option for you. There are many circumstances that lead to women in their 40s choosing adoption:
- You have already raised children. You may feel that your family is complete and you don’t want any more children. Your children may be adults themselves now and out of the house. Even you’re capable of raising another child, starting over with a newborn may not fit in with your life plans.
- You don’t want to parent. You may just have never wanted to become a parent. Just because you’re older doesn’t mean you’re obligated to parent this child. There are adoptive families out there who are eager to work with you to adopt your child.
- You have other goals. You may be ready to retire or begin planning for how you want to spend this half of your life. Raising a child in middle-age may not fit into your retirement plans.
No matter whether you’re in your 20s establishing your place in the world or in your 40s having already raised a family, you can always choose adoption for your unplanned pregnancy. To get more information or begin your adoption process, contact an adoption professional today.
