Unplanned Pregnancy: Frequently Asked Questions

Although unplanned pregnancy can often feel like an isolating an ostracizing event, pregnant mothers - even mothers who didn’t plan to get pregnant - are not alone in their journey. Hope Cottage works to nurture and build strong families alongside women considering making a parenting plan or an adoption plan. Our licensed social workers offer supportive guidance to women facing unplanned pregnancies to explore all of their options, without any pressure to choose adoption. If you or someone you know is experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, the list of frequently asked questions below can help you navigate this time of uncertainty.

Will I be pressured to place my baby for adoption?

Our role is to help you explore adoption as an option for your unplanned pregnancy. Hope Cottage will never pressure or obligate any family to choose adoption. Our licensed, experienced counselors will help you explore adoption and parenting, and if you choose to parent, Hope Cottage can help you make a successful parenting plan that incorporates education on parenting skills, stages of development, and parenting classes beyond “basic infant care” to ensure your success as a parent.

Several State Laws are set in place that protect a birth mother’s decision to relinquish parental rights to her child during the adoption process. The final process requires several self-declaring statements of consent by the birth mom, witnessed by a notary public, adoption counselor/ social worker, and two additional witnesses. If, at any moment during the adoption process, a birth parent feels unsure or “coerced,” they have every right to end the process and choose to parent their child. Hope Cottage will ensure that birth parents feel comfortable during each stage of the adoption process and that their voice/ wishes regarding their child are heard and understood.

What services does your agency provide to birth parents?

Hope Cottage offers birth families a supportive environment in which to receive counseling services as they examine adoption. All of the services birth families receive are free.

Can I choose the family for my child?

Yes. At Hope Cottage, we encourage birth parents to choose their child’s adoptive family. You’ll have the opportunity to see pictures and letters about families that are available for your child, and you can choose to meet families before making your final decision.

If I place my child for adoption, will I be allowed to see my child?

We encourage birth parents to see their baby after delivery. Should you choose to place your child for adoption, you and the adoptive family may work together to determine the amount of contact you wish to have after you leave the hospital.

What does a parenting plan look like?

If you choose to parent, Hope Cottage counselors help prepare you for childbirth and caring for your infant up to his or her first birthday. Furthermore, we offer case management services to help you develop the skills required for successful parenting. Hope Cottage social workers help you navigate and access the community resources needed to assist you in your parenting plan. Most importantly, we provide the emotional support every woman needs when facing the challenges of becoming a parent. We invite you to explore our website, to email Vanessa Ramirez at vramirez@hopecottage.org, or to call us anytime at 214-526-8721.