Fathers, Family, & Friends
Experiencing an unplanned pregnancy can be tough for any person involved—including fathers, family, and friends. It’s normal to have questions, frustrations, and concerns. You’ll want to know what you can do in this sometimes-difficult situation. Throughout this extensive section, you’ll find the following sub-topics, and their subsequent, more detailed topics.
For Fathers: This section will guide you through your role in the adoption plan and process, paternity testing, the Putative Father Registry, and more information about implied paternity. You’ll read about how to assert your legal paternal rights, and what those rights actually are. It will take you step-by-step through the current adoption laws—pertaining to fathers—and how to retain an attorney throughout the entirety of the long placement process. The open adoption page in this section will give you a basic overview of what to expect and what generally makes up an open adoption, as well as expenses you can expect during the process. When moving forward with the placement process, it is crucial to start with the basics and work up from there. This will ensure you don’t become overwhelmed and overstressed.
For Friends: Being a friend of someone experiencing an unplanned pregnancy can be a very emotional place in which to be. Sometimes you wish you could do more to help him or her. And sometimes you just have to step back and let your friend make his or her own decision—even if you may not agree. Remember that everyone has that right to make those important and life-changing decisions. This section will cover two main situations: Your friend is experiencing an unplanned pregnancy or has decided that adoption may be the best option, and what you may be able to expect from dating a pregnant woman—and ways you can support her through the decision-making process.
For Families: Throughout this section, you’ll find additional information about what to do if your daughter is pregnant or if you’re son’s girlfriend becomes pregnant. Both of these situations can be stressful and overwhelming—for all parties involved. As a family member, it is a time to support and love. It may be tough, but it is worth it in the end because you can become closer and stronger from the experience.
Whether you’re a father, a family member, or a friend of someone experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, there are ways to help. You can offer the much-needed support through the process. And that can make a great deal of difference for that person. Be there. Help him or her along the path to healing and self-understanding.
