Am I Pregnant?

Discovering you are pregnant can be an overwhelming experience, especially when you are young. The gravity of the situation may leave you wondering what to do or where to turn. Fortunately, there are many resources that can help you. Remember, many women have been in your shoes right now, and have made it through.

Am I pregnant? What about my dreams?

If you are wondering whether you are pregnant you may have already had symptoms prompting you to investigate. However, some of the common symptoms are not unique to pregnancy, so it is best to be sure. You can better determine if you are pregnant by taking a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests are available at most drugstores and retail stores. Many pregnancy centers also provide them at no cost. Pregnancy can also be confirmed by an ultrasound. An ultrasound uses soundwaves to produce images inside the womb. In addition to verifying whether you are pregnant, an ultrasound can also determine how developed your baby is, viability (the ability of your baby to develop under normal conditions), and the baby’s gender. Many pregnancy clinics provide free ultrasounds as well, so don’t hesitate to call. That is what they are there for. Be sure to choose a pregnancy center that will give you all of the facts and explain all of your options.

Here are some reputable clinics that offer compassionate, objective information and assistance:

The Women’s Center of NWI (Highland, Gary, Crown Point, Valparaiso, Demotte)

Women’s Care Center (Hammond, Michigan City)

The Answer for Pregnancy Aid (Hobart)

St. Clare Clinic (Crown Point) 

PASS Pregnancy Center (Illinois) 

Safe Haven Baby Boxes

A Baby Box is a safety device provided for under state’s Safe Haven Law and legally permits a mother in crisis to safely, securely, and anonymously surrender if they are unable to care for their newborn. Anonymously surrender a baby without fear of being charged or judged at Safe Haven Baby Boxes. You can call 1-866-99BABY1 or 911.

List of Northwest Indiana Safe Haven Baby Boxes:

  • Coolspring TWP Fire Department-7111 W 400 N, Michigan City, IN 46360
  • Chesterton Fire Department- 702 Broadway, Chesterton, IN 46304
  • Franciscan Health Michigan City- 3500 Franciscan Way, Michigan City, IN 46360. 
  • Franciscan Health Hammond- 5454 Hohman Ave, Hammond, IN 46320
  • St. Catherine Hospital – 4321 Fir Street, East Chicago, IN 46312
  • Crown Point Fire Station- 126 N. East St., Crown Point, IN 46307
  • Portage Fire Station #2- 6275 Old Porter Road, Portage, IN 46368
  • Hobart Fire Station #2- 2411 W. Old Ridge Road, Hobart, IN 46342
  • Valparaiso Fire Station #1- 205 E. Indiana Ave, Valparaiso, IN 46383
  • Lake Station Fire Department- ​1876 Fairview Avenue, Lake Station, IN 46405
  • Lowell Vol. Fire Department- 1331 E Commercial Ave, Lowell, IN 46356
  • Merrilville Fire Department- 18 W 73rd Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410
  • Westfield Fire Station #83 -17944 Grassy Branch Rd, Westfield, IN 46074
  • Gary Fire Department Engine Company #5-4959 Pennsylvania St, Gary, IN 46409
  • Schererville Fire Station #2 — 280 Plum Creek Dr, Schererville, IN 46375

Adoption

Adoption can be a difficult choice for some mothers. Giving your child up for adoption does not make you a bad parent, but rather a loving one. You are still giving your child the gift of life, while ensuring that his or her life is nurtured in the best possible way. Such a decision should be made not in haste, or out of fear, but only after careful consideration of your child’s best interest. If you are thinking of giving your child up for adoption, there are counselors available to help you through the process and explain your options.

There are numerous agencies, including those listed below that can guide you in making the correct choice for you and your child. Many couples and families are looking to adopt. Remember, even if you cannot provide your child with the care he or she deserves, there is someone out there who is willing and able to do so. Your child is not unwanted!

Catholic Charities Pregnancy and Adoption Services [ need link ]
940 Broadway, Gary, IN 46402
(219) 886-3549

Kirsh & Kirsh Adoptions
2930 E. 96th St., Indianapolis, IN 46240

Adoptions and Family Support Network
1834 45th Avenue, Munster, IN 46321
(219) 924-2600 or (219) 689-6789

Will I be able to stay in contact with my child?

Adoption has become much more open in recent decades, with more and more children maintaining a relationship with their biological parents. The technological age we live in makes in very easy for communication between parent and child, via email, cell phone, skype, etc. Some parents even visit their children regularly.

In addition, Indiana passed a law last year, which opens adoption records that were finalized before January 1, 1994. Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 91 was signed by former Governor and current Vice President Mike Pence in March 2016. The law grants rights to adopted children trying to trace their heritage, while protecting the privacy of

biological parents in accordance with their wishes. “I want Indiana to be known as the most pro-adoption state in America and SEA 91 will give greater clarity and compassion to our adoption laws.” –former Governor Mike Pence

How much will it cost to put my baby up for adoption?

Nothing. Zero. Any fees are usually paid by the adoptive parents. The biological mother is able to go through the process without any expense. Some states even provide financial assistance for the mother-to-be on costs such as rent, groceries, and clothes. The biggest part of the mother’s responsibility is helping to find the right family for her child.

How can I be sure my child will be cared for in his adoptive family?

This is a question any mother would have. Most agencies have a screening process that includes home studies and/or background checks. Also, many mothers are given the opportunity to get to know the adoptive family prior to making a decision. The mother can spend ample time with the family if she chooses, as well as keep in constant contact. All of this can be done before the baby’s birth, or even before the mother commits to the family, so there is no pressure!

Choosing the right agency

Sometimes mothers may need to shop around to find the right agency. Many agencies will consult with mothers-to-be without any fee. Before finding the right family, it may be necessary to find the agency that is best suited to individual needs and preferences. Be sure it is one that is trustworthy and reputable.

Unfortunately, there are some places, such as Planned Parenthood, that are more willing to convince mothers to terminate their pregnancies. Women who go into Planned Parenthood are much more likely to be sold an abortion than given an adoption referral. According to its own statistics, Planned Parenthood performed 327,653 abortions compared with just 1,880 adoption referrals during the 2013-2014 year. That is 174 abortions for every adoption referral! For more information about Adoption, click here.

References

Adoptions, I. A. (n.d.). American Adoptions — America’s Adoption Agency. Retrieved February 13, 2017, from http://www.americanadoptions.com/

Berry, S. (2015, Jan 2). Planned Parenthood Performed 174 Abortions for Every Adoption Referral in 2014. Retrieved from: http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2015/01/02/planned-parenthood-performed-174-abortions-for-every-adoption-referral-in-2014/

Pence Signs Adoption Records Bill into Law. (2016, March 4). Retrieved from: http://indiana105.com/region-news/pence-signs-adoption-records-bill-into-law/

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Lake County Right to Life
Mailing:

P.O. Box 267,
Griffith, IN 46319
Business:
110 W Main St
Griffith, IN 46319
Phone: 219.838.1138

LCRTL is a 501(c)3 not-for -profit tax exempt organization

Lake County Right to Life serves primarily Lake County and does extend outreach into Porter, LaPorte and St. Joseph Counties. and also partners with The SHARE Group in presenting topics such as human trafficking and suicide awareness and prevention.

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