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Pregnancy Counseling | RESOURCES AND OPTIONS FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS

Resources & Options for Expectant Mothers

Our Pregnancy Counselors are trained professional counselors who can help you sort through your feelings and provide information on your options. Talking to a counselor about the possibilities you face as you consider your future is confidential.

Even before you make a decision about pregnancy, there are some things that need to be taken care of now. Our counselors listen and help you consider what you need now to adjust to the realities of your unplanned pregnancy.

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Or call our toll-free hotline at 800-852-4294.

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Birth Parent Rights and Responsibilities

Considering Your Options: Raising a Baby

Considering Your Options: Making an Adoption Plan

Considering Your Options: Abortion

Informational Resources

Birth Parent Rights and Responsibilities

Illinois has progressive adoption laws that protect the rights of birth parents and adoptive parents. Birth parents who are using the services of an adoption agency in Illinois must receive this document from her or his case worker as soon as is reasonably practical after meeting with an agency worker. Birth parents may take this document home to read in private prior to reviewing it with a worker from the agency.

The information in this document is generally intended to refer to the rights of birth parents in private and agency-assisted adoptions, and does not refer to situations involving adoptions that go through the child welfare system and Juvenile Court. While much of the information contained in this document is applicable, birth parents who are considering adoption and have cases pending in Juvenile Court related to the adoption are advised to seek the assistance of their assigned caseworkers and their attorneys.

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Considering Your Options:
Raising a Baby

Becoming a parent is a lifelong commitment. Am I ready?

Because the pregnancy was not planned, it is only natural to feel overwhelmed. Things may seem a little out of control. Visiting with one of our Crisis Pregnancy Counselors can help you learn more about the options available and regain your focus. If you are considering raising your baby, you will need to prepare for the many changes that will take place.

We can help you:

  • Understand how your life will change and what you will need to become an effective and loving parent.
  • Identify your support system. Upon your request, our counselors can provide counseling to your family or the baby’s birth father to help everyone prepare for his/her role once the baby is here.
  • Consider your plans for after the baby is born. Such things as child care and your employment or educational needs can be addressed.
  • Understand the legalities of child support and establishing paternity.
  • Connect with community resources that will help you as you raise your baby.
  • Develop stress management, communication and conflict resolution skills that will enhance both your life and the life of your baby.
  • Connect with professionals who can assist you with parenting education and support in your local community.
Request More Information

Or call our toll-free hotline at 800-852-4294.

Considering Your Options:
Making an Adoption Plan

Is adoption a good option for me? What are the differences between an open adoption and a closed adoption?

If you are thinking adoption may be the best plan for you and your child, our pregnancy planning counselors will work with you to consider what is important to your adoption planning.

We can help you:

  • Learn about how adoptions work today. Our philosophy is that open relationships between the baby’s birth parents and adoptive parents can be healthy and in the best interest of the child. We will help you learn about how open adoption may work for you and your baby.
  • Consider what is important to you in choosing adoptive parents. Listening to what your hopes are for your child, we will help find potential adoptive parents who fit your needs. The decision is yours, but we will walk with you as you prepare your adoption plan.
  • Meet and develop a relationship with your child’s prospective adoptive parents. This includes establishing the relationship before the baby is born and maintaining the relationship throughout your baby’s life.
  • Understand the legalities and time frames important to adoption.
  • Understand your rights and the rights of your child’s birth father.
  • Plan for your hospital experience.
  • Understand the grief process as it relates to making an adoption plan.

Remember, the choice of an open or closed adoption is yours. If you are not ready for a completely open adoption, our counselors will help you make a plan that will be child centered and meet your needs as well.

Request More Information

Or call our toll-free hotline at 800-852-4294.

Considering Your Options: Abortion

When facing an unexpected pregnancy, many women may consider abortion as an option. Like any other option, understanding abortion and how it will affect you can be frightening and confusing. Our pregnancy planning counselors can help you gather more information so that whatever decision you make will be an informed one.

We can help you:

  • Understand your feelings so that your decision is thought out and carefully planned
  • Talk with medical professionals who can answer your questions about the medical aspects of abortion
Request More Information

Or call our toll-free hotline at 800-852-4294.

Informational Resources

In addition to seeking resources and guidance through CYFS,
you may also wish to visit the following websites:

CYFS Pregnancy Counseling Program Success Story

“I went to the appointment and was surprised that the counselor did not try to talk me into making an adoption plan. She listened to what I wanted and helped me think about how I would raise my baby. She also told me about open adoption. I liked this idea because I could finish growing up and still see my baby. I liked the idea of my baby having two parents and a stable life, something I could not give just yet. It has been three years since my baby’s adoption and I do not regret my decision.”
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