Unwanted Pregnancy Statistics

If you are facing an unwanted or unplanned pregnancy, know that you are not alone: it is estimated that around 50 percent of pregnancies in the US are unplanned. You have options for how to proceed including termination, parenting your child, and placing your child for adoption. Here are some other interesting and eye-opening statistics about the reality of unwanted or unplanned pregnancies:

• Over three million women in the U.S. each year experience an unplanned pregnancy.
• About 90 percent of sexually active women use some form of contraception. The 10 percent of women who do not use contraception account for approximately half of unplanned pregnancies.
• Of the 50 percent of unplanned pregnancies in the US, 43 percent of those women will choose to terminate the pregnancy.
• Births resulting from unintended pregnancies are associated with adverse health outcomes for both the mother and child. These issues include delayed prenatal care or a lack of prenatal care entirely, premature birth, and negative physical and mental health effects for children.
• Rates of unintended pregnancy are generally highest in the south and southwest.
• Women without a high school degree have the highest unintended pregnancy rate among all educational levels.
• Women aged 15 to 19 have the highest unintended pregnancy rate of any age-group
• Approximately 20,000 children are voluntarily placed for adoption each year. However, it is estimated that at least 1 million families are actively waiting for an adoption placement.

Are you facing an unplanned pregnancy? Though these statistics may be alarming, know that you have the power to make the decision that is best for you and your child. Know that you have options and that, regardless of what your family or friends may be saying, that you should choose the option that is right for you, and that gives you and your child the best possible chance at leading a healthy, fulfilling life. Adoption is an option! For more information on adoption, visit adoption.com.