7 Things to Ask if You’re Pregnant and Considering Adoption

July 27, 2015
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Finding out your unexpectedly pregnant is often a traumatic experience. The questions begin running through your mind faster than you can process the answers, if you even know the answers. Eventually, your mind slows down and you start to really consider your options. Should you keep the baby? Should you go through the adoption process? Or, is an abortion the best option? Tough questions and usually tougher answers. For some women, adoption is the best option. We don’t like the term “giving a baby up” for adoption, because it’s not about giving up, it’s about choosing a life for your child that you can’t provide due to your current circumstances. If this is an option you’re considering, choosing the right adoption agency is important.


To help you find the agency that is going to be best for you here are 7 questions you should ask if you’re pregnant and considering adoption.


1. Does the agency discuss all of your options with your pregnancy?

A good agency will discuss and make sure you understand all of your options. They should want to get to know you and make sure you want to place your child for the right reasons. If they aren’t presenting all the options, they may not have your best interest at heart.


2. Do they thoroughly explain the adoption options and discuss the possible outcomes?

There are several different types of adoption and the agency should make sure you understand them all and help you determine which is the best option for you. They should also be willing to discuss the possible outcomes. Unfortunately, not all adoption processes have the happy ending everyone wants. They should help you prepare for all the possible scenarios and weigh the risks involved as well as the benefits of each option.


3. Will that agency help me during and after the adoption process?

Will the agency help you find insurance or medical coverage if you don’t have it? Do they provide or help you find information about your pregnancy and what you should expect? Will they be there after the adoption if you need to talk to someone? It is not unusual for grief to hit after an adoption, sometime a year or two later. Will they be there for you?


4. What are the requirements of adoptive parents?

It is usually comforting to know what training, background checks and other things are required of adoptive parents. This information can help you decide if the agency is a good fit and if they have a good group of possible families for you to choose from.


5. What happens if I change my mind about adoption during the process?

Obviously the agency is in the business of coordinating adoptions. If you change your mind and decide to parent will they support you, or will they pressure you and guilt you into completing the adoption? Questioning your decision to place for adoption is normal and ideally they will be there to discuss why you are considering changing your mind and help you process if those are good reasons. Ultimately you should follow your instincts on this one.


6. Does the agency offer any counseling or other resources to help me in life outside my pregnancy?

You’re considering placing your child for adoption, so something in your life made you question whether you are ready to be a parent. Perhaps it’s circumstances around your schooling or employment. Maybe it’s money or your relationship with the father. It could be that you don’t feel you have the support you need from family to parent. Whatever the circumstances, will the agency help you find a way out of the current situation and move towards a better future?


7. Does the agency provide references and allow you to talk to previous birth mothers who placed for adoption?

Will they give you a list of references you can call? Sometimes talking to someone who has been through the adoption process before can not only confirm the reputation of the agency, but also be helpful for you to talk with. Now the agency may only give you references they know are going to give a glowing recommendation, so be sure to check out online reviews as well. There are even some resources that compile online reviews of most of the larger agencies in one place so you can compare them all at once.



Adoption is a big decision, a hard decision and one that is often made when both the best interests for the mother and child are considered. But it’s not a decision that anyone should be pressured into making. If you’re thinking about adoption but would like to talk to someone before contacting an adoption agency, our team at Collage would love to be there for you to ask questions and weigh all your options. You can contact us through the website or by giving us a call (308) 234-9880 to reach our Kearney office or (308) 675-2217 for our Grand Island office.

December 17, 2025
Holiday gatherings often bring familiar traditions, questions, and expectations. But when you’re carrying the news of an unexpected pregnancy that you haven’t shared, the season may feel different this year. You might be participating in celebrations while quietly navigating thoughts and emotions that others cannot see. If you want clarity about your pregnancy or a private space to consider your next steps, Collage offers free services, including pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and confidential consultations, to support your needs. Schedule your appointment today. Prepare Yourself, Not the Perfect Conversation You may not be ready to share your news, and that’s okay. What can help is preparing yourself: deciding on the topics you’re comfortable discussing, the questions you want to avoid, and the boundaries you want to set. This proactivity allows you to answer without feeling like you need to tell all and not overshare. Create Space Throughout the Gathering Instead of thinking about the whole event at once, break it into smaller, manageable moments. Emotional regulation becomes easier when you give yourself space to reset. Try:  Stepping outside for a few breaths of fresh air Finding a quiet room for a brief pause Taking a short walk after a meal Giving yourself permission to excuse yourself from overwhelming conversations These small steps can help protect your peace. Remember that if at any point during the gathering you’re ready to go home, go ahead. Take care of yourself by calling it a day when necessary. Meet Your Basic Needs Early pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and fatigue can be uncomfortable during gatherings. Come prepared to meet your own needs by bringing pregnancy nausea candy, snacks to settle your stomach, and a water bottle. Store these items in your purse, knowing they’re ready when you need them. You Don’t Have to Navigate This Season Alone If you want clarity before facing holiday conversations, Collage can help you understand your pregnancy and answer questions in a calm, confidential setting, which can make these boundaries easier to hold. Contact us whenever you’re ready to schedule a free appointment. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services .
November 11, 2025
Learning you’re unexpectedly pregnant can bring up complicated emotions, uncertainty, fear, or even exhaustion if you’ve faced this situation before. You may know that you don’t want another abortion, but still wonder what options exist for your future. At Collage, we provide free and confidential support so you can explore your choices in a compassionate environment. Whether you want to understand what parenting or adoption could look like or simply need someone to listen, you’re not alone. Schedule a free appointment today to learn how we can help. Exploring Parenting Parenting can feel like an enormous responsibility, especially if your finances, relationships, or housing situation are uncertain. Many women ask themselves: “Can I really do this on my own?” “Where will I find the help I need?” “What kind of future can I provide for my child?” These are real and valid questions. At Collage, we’ll help you identify the resources and support available in your community. From offering a warm, supportive presence as you explore this option to providing referrals for resources like housing or childcare support, we’ll ensure you’re not facing these challenges alone. Parenting can be both demanding and deeply rewarding. With encouragement, community connections, and the right information, you can feel more confident in providing a stable, nurturing environment for your child. Understanding Adoption If parenting doesn’t feel like the right fit for your current situation, adoption offers another path forward, one rooted in hope and love. You remain in control of the process, deciding how involved you wish to be in your child’s life. You can select from multiple adoption plans depending on your comfort level: Open adoption: Allows for ongoing communication and contact between you, your child, and the adoptive family. Semi-open adoption: Offers limited contact through a third party, maintaining privacy while keeping some connection. Closed adoption: Protects complete confidentiality with no exchange of identifying information. Financial support is available throughout the adoption process. You’ll never pay for legal or medical services related to adoption. Best of all, adoption agencies can help ensure your needs are met and your wishes are respected every step of the way. Adoption is not an easy decision, but for some women, it brings a sense of peace and purpose, knowing their child is loved and cared for in a stable environment. We can discuss this option with you and offer referrals to reputable agencies so you feel informed. Taking the Next Step Your situation is unique, and so is your decision. Whether you’re considering parenting or adoption or simply need time to process your feelings, Collage is here to provide information and encouragement. We’re available to answer questions, explain your options, and connect you with trusted community resources, all at no cost and in a confidential setting. Schedule your free appointment today to start finding clarity and peace of mind. FAQ: Is it normal to feel uncertain about my decision? Yes. Many women experience mixed emotions when facing an unexpected pregnancy. It’s okay to take time and talk through your options before deciding. What if I don’t think I can afford to parent? We can connect you with programs and community partners that provide material and emotional support, so you will feel more equipped to parent if you choose to. How does adoption work? You remain in control. You’ll choose the family and the level of contact and receive guidance from trusted professionals who handle the legal and practical aspects of the process. Are services at Collage really free? Yes. All services are completely free and confidential. Your privacy and comfort are our priority. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services.
By Kirsten Berns October 28, 2025
Finding out your partner is unexpectedly pregnant can change everything in an instant. You may feel shocked, worried, or unsure about your role. Those feelings are normal. What matters most is how you respond in this moment and what steps you take next. At Collage, we provide no-cost and confidential services for women and men walking through unexpected pregnancies. Schedule an appointment to learn how we can support you—you don’t have to carry the weight of this situation alone. Understanding Your Own Feelings Before you can support your partner, it’s important to process what you’re experiencing. Talking with a trusted friend, family member, or mentor can help you sort through your emotions and understand what this news means. Showing your partner that you are engaging with your own feelings demonstrates that you are taking the pregnancy seriously. Walking With Her Your partner may be feeling the same uncertainty and fear that you are. One of the most powerful things you can do is simply be present. Attend appointments with her, listen when she shares her concerns, and offer support, like running errands or helping with everyday tasks. These small actions communicate that she is not facing this alone. Learning Together Getting informed is one of the best steps you can take together. At Collage, we provide option information so you and your partner can learn more about parenting, adoption, and abortion. Our staff will answer questions and help you understand what each option may look like. Having reliable, unbiased information allows you to approach this decision more confidently. Taking the Next Step This is not something you have to figure out overnight. Unexpected pregnancies can feel overwhelming, but there are resources, support, and people who care about both of you. Collage is here to listen, guide, and provide clarity when you need it most. Request your no-cost and confidential appointment today. Moving forward together can make all the difference. FAQ: What role should I play if my partner is pregnant? Listening, staying present, and supporting her as she makes decisions is crucial. You don’t have to have every answer, but being by her side matters. Can I attend appointments with her? Yes, and many women appreciate having their partner there. It shows support and can help both of you learn about options together. What if my partner chooses parenting and I don’t feel ready to be a dad? It’s normal to feel unprepared. Talking through your concerns with someone you trust and learning about options can help you move forward with more clarity.  Does Collage provide abortions? Collage does not provide or refer for abortions. However, we do provide no-cost pre-abortion screenings, confidential services, accurate information, and compassionate support so you and your partner can make informed decisions.
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