Being raped dramatically changes a woman's life, but when the rape leads to a pregnancy, it can be hard for the woman to know what to do. Many women do not want to have an abortion because they know that it was not the child's fault for what happened to them. If you were a victim of rape and find yourself pregnant, consider giving the baby up for adoption to give the child a chance at life, even if you cannot be the one to care for them. The following guide walks you through a few things that you may not know about the adoption process.

You Can Choose the Adopted Family

When you put a child up for adoption, an adoption company will help you with the process. They will allow you to choose from a large variety of families to ensure that you feel comfortable with the family that will be raising the baby. You will first get to read files about the families and may even be able to meet any potential families, if you would like. You have the ultimate say as to which family you will choose for the baby.

You Do Not Have to Pay the Medical Costs

When you have a baby that you will be putting up for adoption, the costs associated with the birth or doctor visits may be paid by the adoptive parents or the adoption company. It is important to talk to the company about the costs and you will have to sign a contract stating that who will cover the medical costs.

You May Be Able to Have a Relationship with the Child

There are some adoptive families that allow the mother to have a relationship with the child. Your child may not know that you gave birth to him or her, but you will be able to make sure that they are well taken care of and happy as they grow up. If you do not want to be a part of the child's life, you cannot be forced to be in it though. For some victims, seeing the child that was a product of their rape often can cause them to have a constant reminder of what happened to them.

It is important to realize that you are not abandoning the child. You are giving him or her an opportunity to have a life that you could not give them on your own. Many children who are the products of rape have a very fulfilling life and become productive members of the community. For more information, see sites like http://www.achildsdream.org.

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