Teen Pregnancy In Arizona

Finding yourself pregnant before you are ready, or even before you are able to vote, can be really scary. Adoption Choices of Arizona is ready to help you through your pregnancy, your child’s adoption process, and afterward. You are doing what is best for your child and yourself. Know that your choice of placing your child up for adoption is valid and beautiful. We understand how difficult it can be to be pregnant and still in school. People can be judgmental, teachers may not be as understanding or accommodating as you need them to be, pregnancy expenses can creep up, and we want to help you through it all. We are ready to be by your side and defend you against any bullies or naysayers.

If you need adoption help now, please call or text us at 1-480-900-5520 or visit us at Adoption Choices of Arizona.

What are my rights if I have an unplanned pregnancy as a pregnant teen?

If you are pregnant, any decisions regarding your unplanned pregnancy and your baby are legally yours to make. You do not have to inform your parents of your pregnancy, and they have no legal say in any of your decisions. This also means if you decide to put your baby up for adoption in Arizona, it has to be your decision, not theirs. And if they do not want you to put your baby up for adoption in Arizona, they do not have the right to keep you from doing so. Your Phoenix, Arizona adoption agency caseworker can help you find legal representation if needed and help defend your rights and wishes in the adoption process.

If you are scared to go to a Phoenix adoption agency to place your baby up for adoption, you can also seek out a safe haven registered area. A hospital or a fire station are examples of places where you can legally and confidentially leave a baby with registered safe haven volunteers without any legal repercussions. They would then contact social services, which would then handle the adoption.

Mental Health During Unplanned Teen Pregnancy: Anxiety, Depression, Grief

It may seem difficult to be pregnant while your friends go to the prom and deal with SATs. You can still take part in those things too, but you also have this very special situation. Being pregnant in your teens can be very stressful and difficult, but know that you are not alone. Your caseworker can help you find support groups with other pregnant teens like yourself to lean on. Your pregnancy also allows you to give a very special gift to a family in need.

There are many great families out there who are unable to biologically have a child of their own and are ready to give your baby a beautiful, caring home. We know you may feel misunderstood and upset, especially when people who don’t know you judge you for being pregnant so young. While it may have been better not to be pregnant at this age, you have nothing to be ashamed of. You are facing one of the biggest challenges in your life, and you are making it through. You will be building families, still getting your degree, and probably have a great college essay to write about it. Think of all you have accomplished.

People can be mean because they judge and don’t understand, but your pregnancy is none of their business. It may seem like you have to grow up before them, but know that you are doing what is best for all involved, and that is an extremely mature decision. Even some adults are not able to get through everything you are getting through. Things seem dark now, but the sun is coming, and the brighter days are around the corner.

Do I need consent from my baby’s father to place my baby up for adoption?

If you are considering putting your baby up for adoption in Phoenix, you do need to seek consent from the father. He may want to raise the baby, so you can always sign your parental rights over to him. He may even have relatives who would be willing to adopt the baby if you are both okay with that. This is called a familial adoption and is a wonderful option if you both are okay with this. Not all birth parents are okay with a family member raising their child, but if you are, this could be an option to look into. Just know that your child would probably be raised as your sibling, cousin, or another family member, rather than your baby.

Types of Adoption If I Place My Baby Up For Adoption

Keep in mind how many contacts you and your baby’s father want to have with your baby in the future. An adoption agreement with your child’s adoptive parents is very important. If you want to have some sort of communication or visitation with your baby in the future, seek an open or semi-open adoption. But if you want no communication, you should seek a closed adoption.

Financial Aid If I Place My Baby Up For Adoption

If you need any help with any fees or bills from your pregnancy, your caseworker can help you to get funding for them. Otherwise, your child’s adoptive family can help you pay these bills through a trust established with your Arizona adoption agency caseworker.

Can my school kick me out if I am pregnant?

If you are still in school, know that you have the right to an education. Your school cannot push you out of the classroom or deny you any educational opportunities or aid. Your school cannot hold any absences related to your pregnancy against you either. Following your pregnancy, just know that any other absences can be held against you. I recommend inquiring with your caseworker about any rights you may have regarding maternity leave from school or at least a recovery period following your delivery.

This could also be said about any postpartum depression or mental health leave you may need. Your school probably won’t allow this, but it is always good to ask. Make sure to keep your caseworker up to date and have them be a representative of you and your rights against the school board. If you need any legal representation, your caseworker can help you to find legal aid.

Putting Your Baby Up For Adoption As A Teen In Arizona

Adoption Choices of Arizona understands how scary this time is for you, but we are ready to help you through it. We will not abandon you once the adoption is finalized. Whether you need our help financially, legally, with counseling and mental health, or with educational rights, we are here for you. We will stand up for your rights and support you and your baby from this day forward.

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 a prospective adoptive family hoping to adopt a baby, please instead, visit us here!

Meet the author: Carly is a recent graduate of Connecticut College with a dual degree in Psychology and Italian Studies. Graduating Cum Laude with honors in both Psychology and Italian departments, Carly has a background in gender-related research through the Connecticut College Psychology Department and Honors Theses Program. When not trying to figure out life or working, Carly is reading historical fiction novels or playing with her black cat, Isabelle.