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Are you pregnant and unsure of what the future holds for you? When faced with an unplanned pregnancy, thinking about anything else may be impossible. You are trying to make decisions about your future, which all point back to choices about your pregnancy. You have a choice to terminate the pregnancy through abortion or to continue the pregnancy. If your decision is to continue your pregnancy, you have a few immediate choices: raise the child as a single parent, raise the baby as a couple, have your parents raise the child, have the birth father or his parents raise the child, or place the baby for adoption. read the full article.
Due Date Calculator
Use this due date calculator to determine the date you are due. To determine your due date, enter the date of your last menstrual period. Using this date, we can tell you your approximate due date.
Keep in mind that this calculator is based on a 28-day menstrual cycle, and might not be accurate for women whose cycle varies from that schedule.
CHOICES can help
Our staff of registered social workers can assist you to explore the many options available to you. We can support you while you make decisions that fit with your needs and goals. We provide balanced, unbiased information so that your decisions can be well-informed. You can depend on us for respectful, non-judgmental, professional support.
We are licensed to provide a full spectrum of services, including:
- education, counselling, and support
- referral to community supports before and after pregnancy
- adoption placements
- support and mediation in open adoptions
- post-adoption support
- reunion counselling
We can help you become well informed about all of the support and education options available to you. We are here to support you in making the best decision for you and your child.
CHOICES is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at our 1-888-479-9811 number and the local number (250) 479-9811. You can also contact CHOICES birth parent social worker for confidential counselling by emailing choices@choicesadoption.ca
Free counselling available
Pregnant women and their partners, and birth parents pay no fees for counselling directly related to the pregnancy - even when they decide not to place their child for adoption.
How can CHOICES help?
Whether you are pregnant or already have a child and are considering adoption as a potential plan, we can help you assess your personal situation and understand your range of options as you make decisions that suit your needs.
What are my options?
We will help you explore a range of options, including:
- both or one of you parenting your child
- placing your child in the care of a family member
- terminating your pregnancy
- making an adoption plan for your child
Can I expect confidentiality?
Yes, everything you share with us is treated as private and strictly confidential. You can also be assured that we make no judgments. We provide discreet professional counselling.
Can I be involved in selecting the adoptive family for my child?
Yes, you can be involved in selecting the adoptive family [if you want to be]. We encourage it for birth parents. You have a range of options available to you with respect to:
- the selection of the family
- the arrangements of the placement
- how much contact you have with the adoptive family before and after placement
- the timing of the placement
How much involvement can I have if I make an adoption plan for my child?
The range of involvement depends on the agreement between you and the adoptive parents. This could include:
- meeting with the adoptive parents prior to and after placement, so that you can be confident about their capacity to love and care for the child
- preparing a letter or a gift for the child or the adoptive parents
- holding and caring for the child prior to placement
- being present when the child is placed with the adoptive parents
- including the grandparents in saying goodbye
- ongoing contact with the adoptive parents and child
- keeping mementos of the child
What rights does the birth father have?
We believe that it is in the best interests of the child for the birth father to be involved in the planning and counselling process if possible.
To understand his full legal rights, refer to section 13.2 of BC's Adoption Act.
If I choose adoption, will CHOICES still provide support after the placement of my child?
Yes, support will be available to you following the placement of your child for as long as you need it. Support is available as individual counselling or in group support sessions.
What if I decide to keep my child?
Many pregnant women and birth parents who come to us decide to keep the child. It is your decision and we support you in whatever decision you make. We can help you explore and prepare for the outcomes of your decision, and refer you to available community supports.
For more information "Are You Pregnant and Thinking About Adoption?"