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IN THIS GUIDE: Texas adoption · I just found out I’m pregnant · How the process works · What support can I get? · What resources exist? · Will I get money? · Texas law · What about the father? · Staying connected · Choosing a family · How long does it take? · Find our Texas office
Unexpectedly pregnant in Texas?
You have more options than you think.
Whatever you’re feeling right now is okay. You don’t have to decide anything today — and you don’t have to go through this alone.
Confidential · No pressure · 24/7
Finding out you’re pregnant when you weren’t planning it is a lot. Maybe you just took the test. Maybe you’ve known for a few weeks and haven’t told anyone. Either way, you don’t have to decide anything right now — and you don’t have to go through this alone. Some women in your situation choose to parent. Some choose adoption. Some need time before they know. This page is for you wherever you are. There’s no pressure here, and no wrong answer.
What are my options if I'm pregnant and not ready to parent?
There is no one right answer. Three paths are available to you — and asking about any of them doesn’t lock you into anything.
Choose to parent
WIC, 211 Texas, and the Texas Pregnancy Care Network can help. You don’t have to do it alone.
Choose adoption
In open adoption you choose the family and can stay in contact. Free to you, moves at your pace.
Take time to decide
You don’t need to rush. Heart to Heart can provide support and counseling while you figure things out.
You don't have to have the words.
You can call or text and just say “I don’t know what I’m doing.” That’s okay. Our case managers listen first and answer questions when you’re ready. No scripts. No pressure. Just a real person on the other end of the line.
What does adoption actually involve — is it what I picture?
Most women who call us say adoption wasn’t what they thought. They pictured giving up a child to strangers and never knowing what happened. That’s not what adoption in Texas looks like today. In an open adoption — which is now the standard — you choose the family yourself. You can talk to them before deciding. You can stay in contact through photos, messages, even visits.
What if I'm not sure yet — do I have to decide right now?
No. Heart to Heart can begin providing support — housing help, counseling, prenatal care referrals — without any commitment from you. Many women talk to us for weeks or months before making a decision. Some decide to parent. We support that too.
Just need to talk?
You don’t need the right words. Just start with a text or call — we’ll go from there.
Whatever you decide, we're here.
No judgment. No pressure. Just support — 24 hours a day.
REVIEWED BY
Wendy Knowles
Birth Parent Support Specialist
Michelle Barrus
Birth Parent Support Specialist
