Finding out you might be pregnant when you weren’t expecting it can feel like your world just flipped upside down, but it’s important to know you have options for an unplanned pregnancy. You might be scared, confused, or unsure who to talk to. That’s completely normal. Not comfortable, but normal.

The most important thing to know is that you do have options, and understanding each one can help you make a thoughtful, informed decision. This guide walks through your three primary options: parenting, adoption, and abortion.

First Things First: Confirm the Pregnancy

Before making any decisions, it’s important to be sure that you are really pregnant. In addition to a positive pregnancy test, you’ll need an ultrasound to verify three important things: that the pregnancy is progressing (there is a heartbeat), that it’s located in the uterus (not ectopic), and how far along you are (gestational age). We can provide you with a free medical-grade test at Hope’s Pathway Chatham, and if the result is positive, we can also provide you with a free ultrasound referral so that you can confirm your pregnancy.

Option 1: Parenting

Parenting means continuing the pregnancy and raising the child. Choosing to become a parent might seem scary, but you are not alone in how you feel. Even the most prepared adult doesn’t feel ready to have a child.

Maybe you think you don’t have the support or finances you need to raise a child. The truth is there are programs designed to help pregnant women and families, and many helpful community resources available to help provide financial and practical support.

Or maybe you feel that having a baby will put a stop to your schooling or career goals. If you’re feeling pressured to choose between becoming a parent or accomplishing your goals, know that it doesn’t have to be one or the other.

Some people feel ready to parent, while others feel uncertain. It’s okay to take time to think through what this path would look like for you.

Option 2: Adoption

Adoption means continuing the pregnancy and making a plan for another family to raise the child. You’ve probably already thought about adoption, but did you know there have been many positive changes in the adoption process that are beneficial to you as the birth mother? As a result of those changes, you have the power to choose the type of adoption that is empowering to you:

Open adoption: You can pick the family you want to adopt your baby and decide how involved you want to be in your child’s life.
Closed adoption: You have no contact with your baby or the adoptive family, and the adoptive family has no contact with you. All adoptive information is sealed by the court.
Semi-open adoption: You are able to contact the adoptive family and your baby through a professional adoption agency while keeping your personal information confidential.

Along with getting to choose the type of adoption you want, adoption can also relieve some of the financial burden of pregnancy. Typically, your medical appointments and hospital stay are paid for in full as part of the adoption process.

Research shows that many women who make adoption plans report high levels of satisfaction with their decision over time, especially when they feel supported and involved in the process.

Option 3: Abortion

Abortion is a medical or procedural intervention intended to end a pregnancy. There are two main types of abortion: medication abortion and surgical abortion. Medication abortion involves taking prescribed pills to end the pregnancy. Surgical abortion, on the other hand, is a procedure performed in a clinical setting where the baby is surgically removed from the uterus.

The type of abortion you may have depends on many factors, including your health and how far along your pregnancy is. It may also depend on where in the country your abortion provider is located.

It’s important to consider both the potential medical risks that may require follow-up care, and the emotional impact that abortion may have. Medical professionals also often recommend confirming gestational age and ruling out ectopic pregnancy before proceeding.

Laws regarding abortion vary by state, including gestational limits and parental involvement requirements for minors. For more information on North Carolina abortion laws, click here.

You’re Not Alone

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel isolating, but support is available. Weighing your options about your pregnancy is an important life decision, and you don’t have to make it alone. Look for trusted sources of information about all your pregnancy options, and give yourself space to think through the details and implications of each one.

The team at Hope’s Pathway Chatham are here for you. We’re not here to tell you what to do, but to help you navigate the decision-making process. Our trained staff can provide valuable information about your options, answer all your questions, and help you learn important details about your pregnancy.

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sources

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2025). Pregnancy Tests: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.
National Council for Adoption. (2026). Adoption Options for Expectant Parents.
American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG). (2025). Chemical Abortion: A Brief Overview

What Are My Options for an Unplanned Pregnancy?