Did your partner just say those four little words you were hoping not to hear, “I think I’m pregnant.” That short phrase can strike fear in every guy’s heart if the situation isn’t right. Here are a couple of suggestions for your next steps. Has She Confirmed Her Pregnancy? We recommend you first verify she’s pregnant. Sometimes, a late period and a positive pregnancy test aren’t enough to determine pregnancy.  Experts estimate as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage. That’s over one in four pregnancies! Because it would take her body time to return to pre-pregnancy hormone ..read more

Exams, papers, sporting events, and parties fill a college student’s life. How can you possibly add a pregnancy? We’re here to tell you that just because your pregnancy is unplanned, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible. You have rights and options. Let’s talk about it. Title IX Protects You There’s been a lot of talk about Title IX recently. Much of the conversation has concerned transgender women participating in women’s sports. Did you know Title IX also protects pregnant and parenting women? According to the law, schools that accept federal funds must comply with Title IX regulations. That incl ..read more

Adoption is not a one-time event. It’s a lifetime event. It affects you, your child, and their adoptive parents forever. When considering this choice, realize you will always be a mother. That will never change. How Can I Have a Relationship With My Child? Part of considering if adoption is the right choice for you and your child includes determining how much contact you wish to have with them. If you choose an open or semi-open adoption plan, you can have contact throughout your child’s life. Contact Agreement You and the adoptive parents agree on the type of communication you each want as yo ..read more

Your first step in placing your child for adoption is finding a reputable adoption coordinator you can trust. There are different types of adoptions depending on your situation. If you are an expectant woman or have recently given birth, make sure you receive the adoption services that put your needs and wants first. Choose a knowledgeable coordinator who knows your state’s adoption laws. Here is more information to help you decide what type of adoption is best for you. Independent Adoptions An independent adoption is also known as a direct placement adoption. This type of adoption can involve ..read more

An unplanned pregnancy is a shock not only for a woman but also for her partner. The news is mixed with unbelief, confusion, and fear. Are you wondering if you will be financially or legally responsible? The decision is in your partner’s hands. What Is My Responsibility? In Missouri, you are legally liable to financially care for a child you have fathered until the child reaches 18. If the child goes to college or a trade school, your financial responsibility can extend to 21. Your responsibility to financially support a disabled child lasts for the entire child’s life.  If you choose to ..read more

No one can legally force you to make one decision over another regarding your pregnancy. Only you can make the final choice. If abortion is not an option for you, learn about your other two choices–parenting or making an adoption plan. We’re available to answer any questions. Can I Be a Single Mother? Single mothers have many opportunities, but parenting alone can be very stressful. At A Gift of Hope Adoptions, we provide helpful resources for an expectant mom. There’s a list of free health clinics, information about Missoui’s Department of Social Services, and other community parenting referr ..read more

No one can legally force you to make one decision over another regarding your pregnancy. Only you can make the final choice. If abortion is not an option for you, learn about your other two choices–parenting or making an adoption plan. We’re available to answer any questions. Can I Be a Single Mother? Single mothers have many opportunities, but parenting alone can be very stressful. At A Gift of Hope Adoptions, we provide helpful resources for an expectant mom. There’s a list of free health clinics, information about Missoui’s Department of Social Services, and other community parenting referr ..read more

No one wants to admit the possibility of having a sexually transmitted infection (STI). After all, getting an STI happens to other people, not you. The CDC says 1 in 5 people in the U.S. have an STI, totaling nearly 68 million people. It’s possible to have an STI and not have symptoms, and yes, you could pass it to your unborn child or during childbirth. How Can I Have an STI and Not Know It? An infection, or as it is sometimes referred to, a sexually transmitted disease (STD), should have noticeable symptoms, right? Many STIs have no signs or symptoms, which is why people put off getting test ..read more

We’ve got good news and bad news. Here’s the bad news – ultimately, your partner is the only one who can decide how to handle the pregnancy. The good news is she has another option besides parenting.  Have you talked about making an adoption plan? Set up a time with A Gift of Hope Adoptions to learn more about placing your child for adoption. What Does it Mean to Make an Adoption Plan? Adoption is a legal transaction that transfers the parental rights and responsibilities of the birth parents to the adoptive parents. It is not co-parenting or foster care.  By signing the agreement to ..read more

For many women, an abortion is physically and emotionally challenging. It is an experience they do not want to repeat. However, if you find yourself unexpectedly pregnant and don’t want an abortion, what are your choices? Perhaps placing your child for adoption is the answer. Take a closer look at how it could benefit both of you. What is Adoption? A legal adoption permanently transfers all rights and responsibilities from the biological parents to the adoptive parents. If, for whatever reason, the birth mother and father cannot parent their child, they can choose another family for them.  ..read more