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

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.

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What to Do When Friends and Family Are Pressuring You into an Abortion Decision

April 2, 2025

What do you do when those closest to you start pushing you toward a decision that doesn’t feel right? Pressure from family or friends to choose abortion can leave you feeling stuck, unheard, and unsure of what to do next. How can you hold firm in your decision while dealing with well-meaning but overwhelming advice? Here’s what you can do to navigate this difficult situation with strength and resilience. Mental Health and Pressure Your decision should be your own—one that isn’t influenced by guilt or outside expectations. Studies show that women who feel pressured into abortion are more likely to experience guilt, anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health outcomes. Protecting your mental and emotional health starts with making a choice that aligns with what you truly want. Ways to Handle the Pressure Since you understand why this decision needs to be yours, here are some practical steps to help you handle outside pressure. Give Yourself Time You don’t have to decide right away. Take a moment, think through your feelings, and give yourself the gift to reflect without feeling rushed. You're less likely to regret a decision made on your terms. Learn About All Your Options Abortion isn’t your only choice. Parenting and adoption are also possibilities, each with its own forms of support and resources. Learning more about these options can help you make an informed decision you feel at peace with. Set Boundaries It can be tough to stand your ground when others have strong opinions about your decision. Clearly expressing your thoughts by setting boundaries can help you avoid unwanted pressure. Letting others know you need time and space to think can help shift the conversation away from their influence and back to what’s best for you. Advice from a Third Party Getting a different perspective on your situation can be helpful when seeking advice from someone outside your inner circle. This could be a professional counselor, an online support group, or a caring team member at Collage . You deserve people in your life who want to understand you without judgment. You Are Not Alone Even if those around you don’t fully understand, there are people who do. A supportive environment can make all the difference as you navigate this decision. Collage is here to walk with you during this time. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and more at no cost so you can get informed and have the support you need to move forward with certainty. Schedule a confidential appointment today.

The Role of Support Systems When Considering Abortion

March 7, 2025

Discovering you’re pregnant when you weren’t expecting can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. A flood of questions may rush in. What do I do? Who can I talk to? How will this change my life? In moments like these, having a strong support system can make all the difference. The people around you—family, friends, a partner, or trusted mentors—can provide clarity, encouragement, and resources to help you navigate your options. Why Support Systems Matter It’s easy to feel isolated during an unexpected pregnancy with high stress and emotions. However, decisions made in isolation can be overwhelming and may lead to regret. Having a support system allows you to process your emotions, ask questions, and consider your next steps with a clear mind. Those who care about you can offer reassurance and help you explore the emotional, physical, and practical aspects of your decision. Avoiding Pressure and Outside Influence Unfortunately, some women experience pressure from their partner, family members, or even friends to make a decision they aren’t comfortable with. A healthy support system respects your right to make an informed choice without coercion. If you’re feeling pressured, it’s essential to reach out to someone who will listen, not dictate. Support should come from those who uplift and empower you, not those who push you into a choice based on their preferences. Seeking Reliable Information It’s crucial to have access to accurate medical information about abortion, its risks, and its alternatives. A strong support system can help you connect with organizations (such as Collage ) that offer factual, judgment-free care. You can also seek help from professional counselors or a mentor, but ultimately, surrounding yourself with people who prioritize your well-being can bring insight and peace of mind to your decision-making process. We’re Here For You At Collage, we understand how important support is when considering your options. We offer free and confidential pregnancy services, including lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, abortion information, and more so you can make an informed choice. Even if you don’t feel you have a support system in your life, you have one with us. Reach out today to learn more about how we’re here for you.

Why Does an Ultrasound Matter if I’m Considering Abortion?

February 13, 2025

If you’re thinking about abortion, an ultrasound is a crucial step to gather essential information about your pregnancy. It provides key details that can help determine which options are available to you and ensures your health and safety as you make this important decision. At Collage , we offer free limited OB ultrasounds to give you the clarity and support you need, as well as more information on your pregnancy options. Ultrasounds During Pregnancy An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your body. These images provide vital insights into your pregnancy, helping you make an informed decision. Here are three critical pieces of information an ultrasound can reveal: 1. The Location of Your Pregnancy An ultrasound can confirm if your pregnancy is located in the uterus. Sometimes, a pregnancy can implant outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that cannot result in a live birth and requires immediate medical attention to avoid a life-threatening situation. Even if you’re considering abortion, identifying an ectopic pregnancy through ultrasound is essential to protect your health. 2. How Far Along You Are (Gestational Age) Understanding how far along you are is critical for determining which abortion options you can access. For example, the abortion pill is FDA-approved only for pregnancies up to ten weeks gestation. If your pregnancy is further along, a surgical abortion would be the alternative option available, depending on the circumstances. Period-tracking apps can estimate gestational age, but they lack the accuracy of an ultrasound, which can precisely date your pregnancy. 3. Whether Your Pregnancy Is Progressing Not all pregnancies continue as expected—approximately 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. An ultrasound can detect if a miscarriage has occurred so you can follow up with the appropriate care plan. Protect Your Health As you can see, an ultrasound is an essential step in protecting your health and understanding your options. You deserve to make an informed and confident decision and the free limited OB ultrasounds Collage provides will help you to do just that. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Our care and support are designed to help you through this crucial time. Let us be a source of strength for you.