Finding out you’re pregnant as a teenager can feel overwhelming. You may be worried about how your parents will react, how this will affect your education or what the baby’s father will say.

In Wisconsin, you have three options when it comes to an unplanned teenage pregnancy:

  • Adoption

  • Abortion

  • Parenting

It’s okay if you’re not sure how to deal with unplanned teenage pregnancy. Each choice comes with its own challenges and opportunities, but what matters most is finding a path that aligns with your needs, values and future goals.

This guide is here to help you better understand your options. We’ll discuss adoption, abortion and parenting along with advice on how to approach a conversation with your parents. If you want to learn more about your options, you can fill out our online form or text 608-821-8221.

Unplanned Teenage Pregnancy Options in Wisconsin

It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions right now: fear, confusion or even numbness. Taking time to evaluate your options and think about your future can help you decide what to do next. Only you can decide what’s best for you.

Here’s what you should know about your unplanned teenage pregnancy options in Wisconsin:

Adoption

You can place your baby for adoption as a teenager. This decision doesn’t mean you’re “giving up” on them—it means you’re giving them the best possible start in life. If you’re not ready to provide the future you imagine for your child, adoption can ensure they grow up in a stable and supportive home with a family who’s ready to care for them.

“I was willing to do what I had to in order to do what was right for my child, and make the best out of the situation I had placed myself in,” said Michelle, a teenage birth mother. “The life and future of my child was important to me and he deserved the best. I couldn’t provide him with everything so I had found a family that could give him everything that I had only wished I could have.”

Choosing adoption can also give you the chance to focus on your own goals, like finishing. The process is free for you, and there are plenty of resources to support you every step of the way:

  • Counseling: Our social workers can provide a safe space to process your emotions and help you explore your unplanned teenage pregnancy options.

  • Control over the process: You can choose the adoptive family and decide how much contact you’d like to have with your child in the future.

  • Matching services: One of our social workers will help you find the right family for your baby.

  • Financial assistance: In Wisconsin, you could receive help with medical bills, transportation and other costs related to your pregnancy.

  • Open adoption: If you want, you can maintain a relationship with your child and their adoptive parents through letters, emails, calls or even visits.

Thinking about adoption? Fill out our contact form or call or text 608-821-8221 to learn more about the process.

Abortion

In Wisconsin, you can legally have an abortion up to 20 weeks of pregnancy. The cost typically ranges from $580 to $2,000, depending on the procedure type. The two primary options are medical abortion (a pill used within the first 10 weeks) and surgical abortion (a minor in-office procedure).

As a teenager, there are specific requirements that can make abortion logistically or emotionally challenging:

  • Parental consent: If you’re under 18, you’ll need permission from an adult family member who is at least 25 years old. If this isn’t possible, you can request a judicial bypass.

  • Informed consent: A physician must provide you with specific information and materials before the procedure.

  • 24-hour waiting period: After your first clinic visit, you’ll need to wait 24 hours before the procedure.

  • Ultrasound: A doctor will need to perform an ultrasound and explain the image to you.

  • Physician presence: A doctor must be present to prescribe abortion-inducing medication.

Parenting

Choosing to parent as a teenager takes courage and can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s important to understand the challenges involved. Business Insider estimates that raising a child costs about $2,142 per month. If you’re still in school or working part-time, you’ll likely need financial support from your family or the baby’s father. A strong support network can make a big difference, but not everyone has access to that.

Balancing parenthood with school or work can be challenging. You’ll need to think about child care, education costs and how to manage your own future while raising a child. If you decide parenting is the right choice for you, it’s important to seek out resources and support to help you succeed.

Unplanned Teenage Pregnancy Advice for Telling Parents

Telling your parents about the pregnancy might feel like the hardest step. Taking the time to think about what you want to say and which pregnancy option you’re leaning toward can make the conversation easier. Showing them you’ve thought about the future demonstrates responsibility and maturity.

Here are some tips to help you prepare:

1. Think about how they might react. It’s best to prepare for a range of responses, such as shock, sadness and anger.

2. Be prepared to answer questions. They might want to know how far along you are, who the father is and what you want to do next.

3. Remember that it’s your choice. While their support is important, the decision is ultimately yours to make.

If you feel unsafe telling your parents — whether you’re worried about abuse, being kicked out or being denied access to medical care — reach out to another trusted adult. Teachers, social workers, family friends or healthcare providers can help you navigate your situation and find the support you need.

You’re not alone in this. If you want help exploring your options or need someone to talk to, fill out our online form or text 608-821-8221 for confidential support.