YOUR OPTIONS

Continuing with the pregnancy:

If you wish to continue with the pregnancy, but

• You feel it is not convenient now
• You don’t know how you will be able to cope
• You are too scared to tell your mum and dad that you are pregnant
• Your boyfriend threatens to leave you if you have the baby

Please ring us and we will talk about it with you. Once you contact us you are not alone. We will work out with you the best way to overcome your problem.

Adoption:

Most adoptions in Western Australia are now “Open Adoptions”. All adoptions are handled by the Department for Child Protection which is a government office. All adoption applicants must be assessed by the Department before they are approved. If you decide to adopt your baby you will be able to choose the adoptive parents from a number of profiles of applicants given to you by the Department. The adopting parent/s will make sure that the baby’s ethnic, cultural and religious heritage is protected.

During the adoption process the adopting parents and you will agree on an adoption plan. This is a legal agreement and sets out arrangements for information exchange about the child. You will be given choices on how much information and contact you want with the child as he/she grows up. The child will be encouraged to maintain a link with you.

Fostering:

If you continue with the pregnancy but can’t decide whether to bring the child up yourself or have it adopted you may consider fostering while you are making up your mind. Foster carers are trained by the Department for Child Protection and they will support the cultural and religious needs of your child. While baby is in the custody of a foster carer you and/or your extended family will be encouraged to visit and have contact with her/him.

Abortion:

We do not refer girls or women for an abortion in any circumstance. However, we can discuss abortion with you and tell you what is involved and how it may affect you – physically and mentally.

You don’t have to take our word for it – we can arrange an appointment for you to see a doctor who will discuss it with you honestly and openly. Remember, we all want what is best for you now and in the future.