It’s often assumed that the only option for dealing with an unplanned pregnancy is an abortion. It’s simply NOT true. It’s also NEVER the best option when weighed against the alternative. As a parent waiting for a child to adopt, I’ve been thinking deeply about this subject. So with boldness and grace I submit my thoughts on the subject of adoption vs abortion for women experiencing an unwanted pregnancy.
1. Adoption is the cheaper alternative to an abortion.
Financial cost of adoption for the birth mom is $0 vs abortion $500-$2000. The medical cost when an adoption has been arranged is passed on to the adoptive parents. I know this personally. Domestic adoptions cost the adoptive parents approx $30,000 which includes the birth mothers medical. Jessica and I aren’t complaining about rather we’re privileged to do it.
2. Adoption ends with giving life vs abortion which ends with death (at best ends with the lack of life).
I’ve never known a women that’s had an abortion and feels great about it. I’ve never had this women in my office celebrating the decision. I’ve never viewed a Facebook post in which a women celebrates having an abortion. Most abortions are done in secret, in desperation, without wise council, and without consideration of a better alternative.
3. In Adoption you can feel good about the choice vs potentially feeling guilt and shame about the choice.
In the US, the decision is solely the responsibility of pregnant women. She has all the authority and responsibility to make the decision that she thinks is best. When she makes the decision she must wrestle with what’s best for her vs what’s best for the child. This means she will also carry the sole burden of the results of her decision. No-one else can carry this for her. The fact is she will carry the memory of giving birth and blessing a family in adoption or carry the memory of taking a life. It’s just a fact that must be stated.
Please note: Abortion is not an unforgivable sin. Jesus died for that too. The church should be there for a women who’s had an abortion. However, Jesus doesn't remove the natural consequences.
Every decision has consequences and lasting implications. This decision, responsibility, and burden is placed alone on the shoulders of the women facing an unwanted pregnancy. My fatherly & pastorally advice is to find some wise council and make the BEST decision. There are lots of adoptive parents waiting for a child to be placed into their family!
