In a perfect world, every woman who becomes pregnant would be in a loving marriage, have a stable home, and be willing and able to raise her child. But sadly, that’s not always the reality.
Many babies are conceived in difficult situations—where parents may feel they can’t or don’t want to raise a child. And when faced with an unexpected pregnancy, too many of these women feel like they only have one option: abortion.
Here’s a shocking truth: National data shows that 40% of unplanned pregnancies end in abortion, while fewer than 1% result in adoption. That means abortion is chosen 50 times more often than adoption. Meanwhile, experts estimate at least one million families are waiting to adopt infants in the United States.
Why is that?
Unfortunately, adoption is often misunderstood. Anti-Life messaging paints abortion as the “compassionate” option, while adoption is rarely discussed. Many young men and women simply have no idea how the process works. And by the time they face an unplanned pregnancy, the thought of learning about adoption feels too overwhelming. Abortion seems like the “quick fix.”
But what if they had that information before they were in a crisis?
That’s exactly what a new Texas law is aiming to do.
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Thanks to Senate Bill 1207 by Senator Phil King (R–Weatherford) and Representative Terri Leo Wilson, Texas public high schools will now be required to teach students about adoption.
The law will add adoption education to high school health classes, ensuring students are taught:
- An overview of child adoption, specifically the distinction between private adoption and foster care;
- In private adoption, a mother chooses to place her newborn with an adoptive family through an agency. She can often pick the family and decide how much contact she wants to have as the child grows. Private adoption aims to provide a smooth, permanent home for the baby.
- Foster care adoption involves children of all ages who were removed from unsafe homes. The state tries first to reunite them with their birth family. If that’s not possible, the child can be adopted, usually after spending time in foster care. This process is managed by the state and can take several years.
- A description of the adoption process; and
- An explanation of adoption as a better alternative to abortion when one does not desire to parent, and guidance on how to place a child for adoption.
This new education standard is a game-changer. It gives students the knowledge and tools they need before they’re in a difficult situation. It also helps break down the stigma around adoption and shows it for what it really is: a brave and loving option.
By passing this law, Texas is taking a bold step toward a culture that values Life and supports women.
Adoption is not giving up. It’s giving hope. And now, more young Texans will know that.
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