Pregnancy, Domestic Abuse, and Choosing Adoption
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, considering adoption in Arizona, and/or are a victim of domestic abuse, it is crucial for you to know that you are not alone and there are alternatives to ensure your safety. What’s most important is that if you have found yourself unexpectedly pregnant and are being abused, you take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your unborn baby. It would also be beneficial to know that you do not need to be afraid to contact extra help if needed.
Fortunately, Adoption Choices of Arizona is here to help you through this difficult time. We have composed this resource of options for you to consider if you’re planning to place your baby for adoption that will assist any expectant mother who wishes to protect her child. This resource will also help any pregnant woman who wants to put together the best adoption plan, and have a safe, healthy pregnancy.
If you need adoption help now, please call or text us at 1-480-900-5520 or visit us at Adoption Choices of Arizona.
- Recognize the Abuse in the Relationship
If you are unsure as to whether or not you are being harmed by your partner or spouse, it’s important you recognize the signs of domestic abuse:
- Threats to physically harm to you or someone close to you
- Forcing you into physical intimacy
- Constant criticism your actions or appearance
- Items being thrown at you with intent of physical harm
- Controlling how much money you have or can spend
- Preventing you from working the job you want to
- Keeping you away from friends and family
The first step in removing yourself from an abusive relationship is admitting you are being abused. Once acknowledged, you can take the steps necessary to getting to a safe location. If you are pregnant and in an abusive relationship, it’s important to be able to recognize domestic abuse to protect your unborn child as well.
- Arrange Your Getaway
Once you understand and accept the fact that your relationship is abusive, you can make a plan to safely get away from your partner or spouse. If you live with your partner or spouse, do you have friends or family you are comfortable staying with? Are you able to afford to take care of and protect yourself? Are you prepared to take legal action?
If you are pregnant, planning to get away from your partner or spouse is not only a step in protecting yourself, but also your child.
- Get Behind Your Support System
In tough situations, it helps to get behind those you trust and can depend on. Do you know who you will turn to for support once you are able to get away from your abusive partner or spouse? Will they be able to support you if you are pregnant and planning to place your baby for adoption? Are they able to protect you once you manage to get away from your abusive partner or spouse? Will they stand by you if proceeding to take legal action?
If you’re coping with pregnancy, domestic abuse, and choosing adoption, it would be best for you and your child to be around those you can lean on in tough times. For extra protection, you can also contact domestic violence counselors or abuse hotlines.
- Create Your Adoption Plan
Because you are pregnant and planning on placing your baby for adoption, it is crucial and beneficial that you create an adoption plan to prepare you for your baby’s birth. If you are coping with pregnancy, domestic abuse, and choosing adoption, putting together your adoption plan is a step in removing stress and unanswered questions about your pregnancy.
Do you want an open or closed adoption? Are you ready to learn about and meet the adoptive parents? Who would you prefer to be with you in the hospital and delivery room? Will you be able to prepare for your child to go home with their adoptive family? Answering these questions will not only prepare you for the future, but also secure a safe and loving life for your child.
- Recognize the Abuse in Someone Else’s Relationship
It is helpful to be able to recognize signs of domestic abuse in other women because the signs are not always obvious:
- Constantly checking for approval from their partner
- Having cuts of bruises on body
- Constant excuses given for physical injuries
- Wearing long-sleeves, make-up, or scarves to cover possible injuries
- Often giving excuses to their absence
If someone you know is possibly being abused by their domestic partner or spouse, it would help them to know they have someone in their corner looking after them. If they are pregnant, they would benefit from you reminding them of the dangers domestic abuse could have on both them and their child.
Remember, Domestic Abuse is Not Your Fault and Adoption is an Option
If you are in an abusive relationship, please understand that you are not to blame and there is no excuse for your partner or spouse’s mistreatment of you. You have every right to take necessary action to guarantee your safety. Because you are pregnant, as the birth mother, it is pivotal you do what’s necessary to look after the both of you.
For adoption resources or to begin your adoption journey, birth parents can visit us at Adoption Choices of Arizona or call or text us at 1-480-900-5520. If you are an prospective adoptive family hoping to adopt a baby, please instead, visit us here!
Meet the author: Amanda Glover is a recent graduate from Savannah College of Art & Design in Atlanta, Georgia. She has earned her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Writing. Amanda is currently editing her first novel. Besides being a published novelist, her dreams include singing in a musical, becoming a figure skater, and traveling to Europe.
When she is not writing, she is reading a good romance or suspense book, painting a landscape on canvas, watching a comedy or thriller, or spending time with her friends and family. She loves fashion, books, music, pets, and all things Whimsical. Amanda currently lives in Decatur, Georgia.
