Unplanned Pregnancy Options
& Adoption Support

Call our 24-hour toll-free number to speak to a Cradle counselor:

800-CRADLE4 (800-272-3534)

Text CRADLE to 66746

Or, fill out our online form  and we’ll email you back.

Your information will be kept confidential.

An unplanned pregnancy can bring uncertainty and a range of emotions. At The Cradle, we recognize that every situation is unique, and your journey deserves personalized support. With more than 100 years of experience, we are dedicated to listening, understanding and helping you explore your options. Why choose us? Because we offer compassionate care and flexible counseling tailored to your needs and schedule, whether you’re early in your pregnancy or have recently given birth.

You are not alone — our counselors are ready to meet you wherever you feel most comfortable, providing the guidance and care you need to move forward with confidence.

Pregnancy Options Counseling

A Cradle Counselor can help you explore all your options related to the pregnancy. Your counselor will not pressure you into choosing adoption. Instead, your Cradle Counselor’s goal is simple: to make sure you understand all your options, rights and responsibilities. We can help you consider parenting your child and explore resources or make referrals to resources that can assist in your parenting. Your counselor can also give you more information about adoption, to help you think about how an adoption plan would work and how it might feel for you. Contact us to set up an appointment with one of our counselors.

Parenting

We can help you consider parenting your child and explore resources or make referrals to resources that can assist in your parenting. To start, we’ve curated some expectant parent resources to get your started.

As you think about parenting your child, we can help you make plans for changes to:

Your daily schedule and child care needs
Your budget, including housing, living expenses/bills, baby supplies, transportation, child care, etc
Health care and medical insurance
Supportive people (family, friends, professionals) – identify who those people are for you, and talk with them about the kinds of help they may be able to offer to you.

Adoption Options After Pregnancy

If you are pregnant and considering adoption, we can discuss this with you. Licensed adoption agencies like The Cradle can ensure the plan for your baby is handled responsibly, as our practices are closely monitored. Adoption is a loving option but also an option that can bring feelings of sadness and loss. If you choose adoption, we aim to provide you with counseling and support to help you through the decision—and after. At The Cradle, we do not believe anyone is “giving up” a baby for adoption in the sense that they are giving up on their child; rather, parents who choose adoption do so because they believe it is the best path forward for their child.

You will also explore options for choosing a family for your baby if you choose adoption, as well as explain the opportunities for future contact with your child and their adoptive parents. The Cradle educates on open adoption, in which the birth and adoptive families share identifying information and may have direct ongoing contact.

The Cradle provides free temporary care options for your baby while you take the time to decide the best path for your family. Your counselor in Illinois or case worker in Indiana will discuss temporary care options with you.

Adoption Support and Resources

Learn more about adoption at The Cradle by exploring the resources below. We’re here to support you through your journey:

Answers to Common Adoption Questions

Find answers to common questions about adoption and unplanned pregnancy options. Explore some of the most frequently asked questions below, or visit our Adoption FAQs for more information.

When is the right time in my pregnancy to call The Cradle?

You can call us any time during your pregnancy – it is never too early or too late.

When you connect with The Cradle, we’ll answer any questions you may have and give you information on all of your options. You can also set up an appointment with a Cradle counselor.

What if I don't live in Illinois or Indiana?

If you would like to place your child with one of The Cradle’s adoptive families and you don’t live in Illinois or Indiana, we can still help you. Connect with The Cradle and we can discuss a plan that works best for you.

How much will it cost to use your services?

The Cradle’s decision-making counseling services are free. The Cradle may also be able to help with certain pregnancy-related expenses; please talk with your counselor for more information.

What types of families can I choose?

The Cradle has an extensive and diverse list of wonderful people ready and excited to welcome a new baby into their home. Among our families are hopeful couples, single individuals, LGBTQ+-identifying couples and individuals, and hopeful families of various ethnic and racial backgrounds. Choose an adoptive family here.

Can I change my mind after placement?

Once you sign the document that terminates your legal rights as a parent, your decision is final. It is important to feel confident about your decision before you take that step.

Contact the Cradle

We’re available 24/7. All of your information is confidential

Fill out the form and a Cradle Counselor will get back to you right away.

The Cradle is a licensed adoption agency serving all of Illinois and Indiana, offering free, non-judgmental and confidential support to women and people experiencing an unplanned pregnancy or adjusting to life with a newborn. It doesn’t matter how far along you are — it’s never too early or too late to reach out to us.

To speak to someone now,

call our 24-hour hotline, (800) 272-3534, or
text us at (312) 800-1559 (answered 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.).

Unplanned Pregnancy?

Call our 24-hour toll-free number to speak to a Cradle counselor:

800-CRADLE4 (800-272-3534)

Text CRADLE to 66746

Chat Us

Or, fill out our online form  and we’ll email you back.

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I'm Pregnant

Adoption Services

Counseling, Education & Training

I'm Pregnant

Adoption Services

Counseling, Education & Training

Unplanned Pregnancy Options
& Adoption Support

Call our 24-hour toll-free number to speak to a Cradle counselor:

Or, fill out our online form  and we’ll email you back.

Pregnancy Options Counseling

Parenting

Adoption Options After Pregnancy

Adoption Support and Resources

Answers to Common Adoption Questions

When is the right time in my pregnancy to call The Cradle?

What if I don't live in Illinois or Indiana?

How much will it cost to use your services?

What types of families can I choose?

Can I change my mind after placement?

We’re available 24/7. All of your information is confidential

Fill out the form and a Cradle Counselor will get back to you right away.

Unplanned Pregnancy?

Or, fill out our online form  and we’ll email you back.