Unplanned Pregnancy in Arkansas: What to Do

The unexpected news of a pregnancy can immediately leave you feeling overwhelmed, shocked, and scared, and you might be asking yourself, "I am pregnant and don't know what to do." Your feelings are completely valid. You are not alone, and you have options for your unplanned pregnancy.

We are here to answer all of your questions about your unplanned pregnancy, your options, what your state’s law says about it, and what you need to know to move forward with confidence.

If you need immediate, non-judgmental support, call us anytime at 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our online form here.

You Are Not Alone – Understanding Your Situation

It’s completely normal to feel scared, shocked, or overwhelmingly confused right now. When you have an unplanned pregnancy, what to do next isn't always obvious.

Many women, regardless of their age or life stage, experience a flood of difficult emotions when confronting this unexpected situation. You might be concerned about:

• Your Finances: Can you afford a baby in Arkansas?
• Your Future: Will this impact your career or education goals?
• Your Support System: How will your family or partner react?
• Your Health: How do you access the necessary medical care?

These are all valid, real concerns, and they deserve real, actionable answers. There are options available to you in Arkansas, and there is support available.

How to Tell How Far Along You Are (And Why It Matters)

Understanding the stage of your pregnancy is important because it directly impacts the options available to you, particularly in Arkansas. A pregnancy test will tell you that you’re pregnant, but it won’t tell you how far along you are.

In Arkansas, state laws significantly restrict pregnancy termination access. Knowing exactly how far along you are is critical if you are considering traveling out of state to access abortion services.

This medical clarity will allow you to make realistic plans and explore all your options effectively.

What Are Your Options if You’re Pregnant in Arkansas?

When you’re pregnant and scared, what are your choices? Women facing an unplanned pregnancy have three main options: adoption, parenting, and abortion. Let’s break down your options.

Adoption in Arkansas

Choosing adoption is a brave, selfless decision that creates a brighter future for both you and your child. When you work with American Adoptions, you have control over every aspect of the adoption process.

Adoption is not “giving up.” It is a proactive decision to provide your child with a life full of love and the stability they deserve.

What makes adoption different:

• Your Choice: You choose the family, you choose the type of contact (open, semi-open, or closed adoption), and you make the decisions about your birth plan.
• No Cost to You: Adoption in Arkansas is always free. In fact, adoption supports pregnant women in Arkansas by covering all pregnancy and birth-related medical expenses. You can also receive financial assistance for living expenses like rent, utilities, and groceries throughout your pregnancy and for a period after the birth, as allowed by Arkansas law.
• Future Focus: You can focus on your goals and dreams, knowing your child will have all the opportunities in the world with a wonderful family.

You can find an amazing family for your baby when you choose adoption in Arkansas through American Adoptions. Our specialists are here to guide you through every step, from selecting a family and managing post-placement contact, to providing support after the adoption.

Abortion in Arkansas

As of 2022, Arkansas has a near-total ban on abortion. This law prohibits abortion at all stages of pregnancy, with only one exception: when it is medically necessary to save the pregnant woman’s life in a medical emergency.

If you are considering this option, you will need to seek clarity on how far along you are and be prepared to travel out of state to a location where abortion is legally accessible.

Parenting in Arkansas

Parenting is a lifelong commitment, and for some, it is the clear path forward. For others, choosing to parent may be more complex.

Choosing to parent a baby after an unplanned pregnancy is a personal choice. No one can make this decision, only you know what’s right for your future.

To assess your readiness for parenting in Arkansas, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I have a stable and safe living situation for a child?
• Do I have reliable income or a clear plan for financial support for the next 18+ years?
• Do I have a supportive network (family, friends, or community resources) who can help with childcare, emotional support, and emergencies?
• Am I emotionally ready to put a child’s needs before my own goals and desires?
• Can I provide a stable, loving environment without compromising my own physical and mental health?

If you are unsure about your readiness, talking to a professional counselor or exploring local resources can help you determine if parenting is the best choice for you.

How to Decide What’s Right for You

How do I choose between parenting, abortion, and adoption? This is a huge, life-changing decision, and you should give yourself time and permission to feel conflicted. It is okay to be between options. Slowing down, assessing your values, situation, and priorities is the only way to find peace with your decision.

Here are questions to help you assess what factors matter most for your future:

Financial Security

• What financial resources do I currently have, and how would this choice impact my long-term financial stability and goals (e.g., college, career)?
• Do I have the means to provide for a child's needs (housing, healthcare, education) without constant stress, or would I need financial assistance to stabilize my life now?

Future Goals

• Am I willing to postpone or alter my goals to prioritize raising a child right now?
• Will choosing adoption allow me to achieve the goals I’ve set for myself (e.g., college, travel, career advancement) more easily, knowing my child will have opportunities with an adoptive family?

Emotional Readiness and Support

• Do I have the emotional reserves and stability to consistently meet the demands of a child, even when faced with daily stress?
• Do I have a reliable support system (family, friends, or agency professionals) who will commit to helping me throughout this journey, and if I choose adoption, am I ready to process post-placement grief with professional support?

Remember: You have choices, and you have control over every aspect of the adoption process if you choose that path. Getting clear, non-judgmental information is the first step when you are facing an unplanned pregnancy in Arkansas.

You Can Talk With an Unplanned Pregnancy Counselor

You don’t have to go through this confusing, painful time alone. Speaking to an unplanned pregnancy counselor or social worker is one of the best ways to gain perspective. These conversations are always 100% confidential and completely pressure-free.

How an Unplanned Pregnancy Counselor Can Support You:

• Listens without judgment: They provide a safe space for you to process your emotions, fears, and hopes.
• Provides accurate information: They give you facts about all your options (adoption, parenting, and abortion) based on the state you live in.
• Helps you think through practical and emotional considerations: They guide you through the pros and cons of each path relative to your unique life circumstances.
• Connects you with resources: They can provide referrals to housing, medical, financial aid, or adoption resources.

American Adoptions offers free, private counseling with our adoption specialists 24/7. We’ll talk through every option with you, even if you ultimately decide adoption isn't the right path.

You can also find support from local resources in Arkansas, such as:

• Arkansas Pregnancy Resource Center: Offers confidential counseling and resources for parenting or adoption.
• Caring Hearts Pregnancy Center: Provides free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and information on adoption alternatives.
• Life Choices, Inc.: Offers pregnancy and parenting support, medical services, and abortion alternative resources.

Take the Next Steps in Arkansas Today

We know that navigating an unplanned pregnancy can bring up a lot of complex emotions, and we want to help you achieve the peace of mind you need to move forward.

Contact us today to speak with a counselor who can provide information about all your options, including parenting resources, adoption details, and support available throughout Arkansas.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.