Pregnancy Decisions

Many women aren’t aware of the life-giving options they have when they become pregnant. At Iowa Right to Life, we want to make sure you not only know your options but know that we, and many others, care about helping you and your preborn baby get the support you deserve, no matter the situation. This can be an exciting and scary time and it’s expected that you’ll be unsure of what is best. You’re most likely here because you want to know more about what options are available to you. Our goal is to help you get all the information you need from kind and understanding people to ease your fear and get your questions answered. There is no situation too horrible or hopeless—we will help you find the right people with the right information you need to make pregnancy and bringing this baby into the world seem less hard and scary.

Becoming a Parent

Becoming a parent is one of the most exciting journeys you’ll ever experience. And it’s one that should never have to be done alone. Even if you have a great support system from the father, your family, and friends, it’s always good to know what pregnancy resources are available to you here in Iowa. Below are ways a Pregnancy Resource Center can help you or visit our Pregnancy Resources Map page to find one near you as you walk through the journey of parenthood. If you’re pregnant and have no place to go, click here to learn about organizations that can help you find a place to call home.

PARENTHOOD RESOURCES

Parents kissing newborn in family picture

Blessing Another Family

Maybe you’ve decided that you aren’t ready to be a parent but want your preborn baby to have a chance to live a full life. Adoption is a great option that not only allows you to give this baby life but also gives an amazing gift to another family. Adoption agencies can offer help in areas like education, information, and support before, during, and after the adoption. In Iowa, there are four adoption options to consider:

OPEN ADOPTION

You don’t think you’re ready to be a parent but want to be a part of your child’s life. Getting in touch with an adoption agency in Iowa can help you get set in an open adoption situation. This means that you’ll still be able to be in contact with the child and part of their life. The American Pregnancy Association along with many others have found that open adoptions help the child develop healthier, both emotionally and mentally, by allowing them to ask questions and know their birth family history.

CLOSED ADOPTION

With a closed adoption, you won’t have any contact with the child or the family. There could be little contact in the beginning or none, but the child and the family will have access to health history and access to their original birth certificate. You can have the birthparents’ information removed (learn about the Iowa Redaction Law) and still have an opinion of the adoptive family as well.

RELATIVE ADOPTION

Another way to keep the child in your family is with relative or kinship adoption. This means an adult within your family, from your parents to an aunt or even an older cousin, can choose to adopt the child. This can also be a healthy option since the child will still be able to be a part of their birth family.

SAFE HAVEN FOR YOUR BABY

If you’ve already had the baby and they are up to 90 days old but don’t feel like you can care for them anymore, you have the option to take them to one of many Safe Haven locations in Iowa and not worry about getting in trouble for leaving them (Health & Human Services – Safe Haven). There is no judgment if you decide you aren’t fit to be a parent; they will take in the child and help it find a loving family. You can either call 911 and let the dispatcher know you would like to have your baby taken to a Safe Haven location or find a fire station, hospital, health care facility, or state-licensed private adoption agency that has the Safe Haven logo.

No matter which you choose, know there’s always support for all your questions, worries, and more every step of the way. Click here to see all the adoption resources available to you in Iowa or reach out to your local Pregnancy Resource Center for more information.

Woman hugging man holding positive pregnancy test

Being Honest About Abortion

We know abortion is an option that has most likely been suggested to you by caring friends or family. It’s important to understand the whole truth about what happens during an abortion, including what you will go through. Although it may seem like the easiest option, it’s just as complicated as any of the options above. There is a lot of information out there about abortion not giving the whole story. The work that Iowa Right To Life does has shown the awful effect it has on both women and men. To get the whole truth of abortion, visit our Education Page to learn more.

If you have already had an abortion, we want you to know that that’s not the end of your pregnancy journey. Many women experience both physical and emotional effects after an abortion. You don’t have to suffer through it alone or feel shameful for asking for help through it. Below are four resources in Iowa that are here to support, comfort, and walk with you through this difficult time, no matter how long it’s been.

IT MAY NOT BE TOO LATE

If you took the first abortion pill less than 3 days or 72 hours ago and regret it, you can change your mind and have a chance to save your baby. Click here to find where to get an abortion pill reversal and give your baby a chance at life.

Pregnancy Resources and Support

Pregnancy and Parenting Education

Birthing classes, sometimes called Lamaze, can be a great educational resource for both mother and father. You’ll learn how to care for yourself and the baby, what happens during the birth and what support you’ll need, and more, plus connect with other soon-to-be parents. Pregnancy Resource Centers offer these along with:

Counseling for life-affirming options
Parenting classes and groups
Counseling and support after the baby is born
Finding housing, childcare, financial, and food assistance

FIND RESOURCES

There are also many apps that help you track your baby’s progress and your pregnancy. Here’s a few we suggest that can be used for free on both Apple and Android:

Baby Essentials

When it comes to what is needed for caring for your baby, there are some basics that you truly need once the baby is born. Download our list of baby basics to help you feel less overwhelmed when preparing for your baby. All Pregnancy Resource Centers in Iowa can give you the true baby essentials you’ll need or are able to help you find them from partner organizations like Mary’s Helping Hands.

NEW BABY CHECKLIST

Help with Adoption

No matter which you choose, know there’s always support for all your questions, worries, and more every step of the way. Adoption agencies can offer help in the form of education, information, and support before, during, and after the adoption. Here in Iowa, we have several different organizations that support all kinds of adoption stories and situations. Find a location near you.

A Place to Call Home for Expectant Mothers

Pregnant and nowhere to go? There are organizations throughout Iowa who have the same mission: to help young pregnant women who have no help or safe place to live. If you’re pregnant and not sure of what to do next without a place to stay, they give you and your baby a private space inside of an actual house where you can feel safe. They’ll also walk with you through your pregnancy, parenthood and adoption options, and life as a new mom. You’ll have a place to call home with food, access to medical care, life coaching, and loving people to help you see there’s hope and a better outlook for your situation.

Where Are You in Your Pregnancy Journey?

Am I Pregnant?

A missed period doesn’t necessarily mean you’re pregnant. Before you start making major life decisions, let’s make sure they’re decisions you actually need to be worrying about.

LEARN MORE