Your Body, Your Choice: Know Your Options
Pregnant? Knowing Your Options in Wilmington, NC
By Christy, Holding Space: Doula Services · November 2026
Maybe you've been waiting for this moment for years. Maybe it's a complete surprise. Maybe you're feeling a dozen things at once. However that positive test landed for you, you deserve clear, honest information about what comes next, without pressure or judgment from anyone.
This post walks through the three paths available to you: continuing the pregnancy and parenting, adoption, and abortion. It also covers what North Carolina law says right now and where to find support here in Wilmington and the Cape Fear region.
There is no wrong way to feel, and there is no single right answer. There is only what is right for you.
Three paths, and every one is yours to choose
Whatever you choose, you deserve support without judgment.
First, Take a Breath
You don't have to decide anything today. It can help to:
Continuing the Pregnancy and Parenting
If you're choosing to continue your pregnancy and parent, getting connected to prenatal care early gives you time to find a provider you feel good about and to learn what your care options are.
Health coverage
NC Medicaid covers pregnant people with household incomes up to 201% of the federal poverty level, counting your baby as a household member. Apply any time at epass.nc.gov or through New Hanover County Social Services. Presumptive eligibility can start coverage right away. Coverage continues for 12 months after birth, and your baby is covered for their first year.
Nutrition support
WIC, offered through New Hanover County Health & Human Services, provides food benefits, nutrition education, and lactation support during pregnancy and after birth.
Choosing your care team
In the Wilmington area you can choose among OB-GYN practices, midwifery care, hospital birth, and other settings. You get to ask questions, interview providers, and switch if something doesn't feel right. For tips on finding the right people to support you, read my post on building your birth team.
Adoption
Adoption is a choice some people make when they want to continue the pregnancy but aren't able to, or don't want to, parent at this time. You can usually be involved in choosing the adoptive family.
Getting started. A licensed adoption agency or adoption attorney can explain the process, your rights, and the support available to you during and after pregnancy. The New Hanover County Department of Social Services can also share information. Choosing an adoption plan doesn't mean going through pregnancy or birth without support. You still deserve good prenatal care, a birth that is honored, and postpartum care for your body and heart.
North Carolina's Safe Surrender law
If you are in crisis after birth, a parent can surrender a newborn up to 30 days old, legally and anonymously, to a designated safe person: an on-duty health care provider at a hospital, local health department, or nonprofit community health center; an on-duty first responder (law enforcement, EMS, or firefighter); or an on-duty social services worker. North Carolina's law names specific people, not places, so the baby must be handed to one of these people directly. Learn more at ncdhhs.gov/safesurrender.
Abortion
Abortion is legal in North Carolina, with limits on timing and required steps. Here is what the law says as of November 2026. Abortion is generally available through 12 weeks of pregnancy. After 12 weeks, it is allowed only in a few situations.
After 12 weeks, care must take place in a hospital. For adults, the rape or incest exception does not require a police report.
The 72-hour rule
North Carolina requires an in-person consultation with a physician at least 72 hours before an abortion, including medication abortion. It helps to call as early as you can, especially if you are close to 12 weeks.
Medication abortion
The abortion pill is taken in person with a physician present. North Carolina law does not allow abortion pills to be mailed.
If you are under 18
North Carolina generally requires consent from a parent or legal guardian, or permission from a judge (called a judicial bypass).
Local care
Planned Parenthood Wilmington Health Center (1925 Tradd Ct, 910-762-5566) offers medication abortion by appointment. Plan for 3 to 6 hours for the visit. Staff can help people under 18 with talking to parents or with judicial bypass. Call for current pricing and hours.
Know Who You're Talking To
When you're searching for help, you'll find many places offering pregnancy services. Some are licensed medical clinics. Others are counseling or resource centers that may not have medical providers on staff and may not discuss every option. It's okay to ask questions before you go:
You deserve complete, accurate information so you can make the choice that is right for you.
Quick Resource List
| Resource | What it helps with | How to reach it |
|---|---|---|
| NC Medicaid (ePASS) | Health coverage during pregnancy and for 12 months after birth | epass.nc.gov |
| New Hanover County Health & Human Services | WIC, public health services, and Social Services | Contact the county office in Wilmington |
| Planned Parenthood Wilmington Health Center | Abortion care, plus judicial bypass help for people under 18 | 1925 Tradd Ct, Wilmington · 910-762-5566 |
| NC Safe Surrender | Legal, anonymous surrender of a newborn up to 30 days old | ncdhhs.gov/safesurrender |
| Emergencies | Immediate medical help | Call 911 |
From the space I hold....
Whatever you are feeling and whatever you decide, the choice is yours to make. I believe every person deserves compassionate, holistic, individualized care, and that you are the expert on your own body and your own life. If you'd like to talk through what support could look like for you, I'm here.
Reach out to Christy