When I found out I was pregnant as a 16-year old high school sophomore, I panicked. I was so scared more than anything; I didn’t know what to do. I thought about abortion, but for me, it wasn’t something I could do. My mom talked with me about my future goals and how a baby would fit into that life.
I reached out Adoption Choices in Las Vegas. The agency was very open about what would happen and how it would happen. They lightened the mood and did their best to make us feel comfortable; never pressured. The agency made sure that I received every resource necessary for a healthy pregnancy. They reimbursed my existing medical bills and handled all future expenses which allowed me to continue to see the doctor I had chosen. I also received additional funds to help with groceries and maternity clothes, and an open offer to receive counseling services.
Adoption Choices gave me five (5) profiles to review and I finally chose a family who worked in photography and painting. I wanted a more artistic family because I’ve always loved art and wanted my child to grow up around that environment.
I was embarrassed by the ’16 and pregnant’ stereotype and worried that the adoptive family would look down on me at the initial visit. Instead the family asked if they could greet me with a hug and kept saying that they couldn’t thank me enough.
When the baby was born, the family came quickly. Even though I had made up my mind, seeing their reaction to meeting the baby made me so happy. I just knew that these people that I don’t even know are going to love this baby as their own.
Adoption Choices reached out to me constantly to make sure I was okay after the placement with the adoptive family happened to make sure I was doing okay. I attended a couple of the support groups and now am doing really well.
I am currently in college studying to become an art teacher.