An unplanned pregnancy requires that expectant parents make choices. What is best for them and for the unborn child? Some expectant parents reach the conclusion that they are not prepared to parent at that point in their lives and make an adoption plan for their child. Others will choose to parent their child.
Factors in this decision may include maturity level and readiness of both parents, the support network available of family and friends, economic stability, future life goals, and the desire to parent a child at this particular point in time. Just as expectant parents exploring adoption must make a realistic plan, so must parents exploring parenting. This may include creating a budget, making a child care plan, and exploring housing options. There may be resources available through county or state government organizations which provide assistance such as TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), housing programs, food stamps, medical coverage, etc. Private organizations such as local pregnancy resource centers often offer counseling, parenting classes, assistance with baby items, and referrals to other community resources.
