5 Important Things to Know About Adopting in the State of New Mexico

If you are considering adoption in the State of New Mexico, like every other state, there are laws regarding the adoption process. If you’re interested in adopting a child through an adoption agency in New Mexico, Care Net Pregnancy Centers of Albuquerque is here to help.

1. Eligibility -- Who is eligible to adopt in New Mexico?

 

The requirements for adopting a child in the State of New Mexico, whether from an adoption agency or from the New Mexico Foster Care System are pretty much the same.

The simple short list of requirements for both an adoption agency and to be a foster parent are as follows; you must be a healthy, law-abiding citizen of the State of New Mexico. You should be at least 21 years old and need to be able to provide your adopted child with their own personal space.

You must be willing to undergo a series of home studies, to attend a variety of parenting classes, and most importantly be able to provide your adopted child with a safe, loving, and inclusive home.

2. International Adoptions -- Adopting a child from another country has other requirements to finalize your international adoption in New Mexico?

If you are considering adopting international child you must file and verify an adoption petition along with copies of the child’s passport and U.S. Visa. There are also other documents need to show child is legally free for adoption like a certificate from the U.S. Secretary of State that certifies whether the adoption is a convention adoption.

The adoptive parents must also submit an application for a birth certificate in the new name of the adopted child that shows the adoptive parents as the child’s parent.

3. Out-of-State Adoptions -- What should I expect when adopting a child from another state?

Any adoptions that are considered “interstate” are subject to the provisions of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC). The primary purpose of the ICPC is to ensure that children placed out-of-state are placed with care-givers who are safe, suitable and able to meet the child’s needs. The ICPC requires an assessment of these factors before a child is placed out-of-state.

As a legally binding agreement between all states, the ICPC ensures that children enjoy a uniform set of protections and benefits regardless of which state they are moving to or from.

4. Home Study Requirements -- What kind of home study, evaluation and post-placement requirements should you expect after your new adopted child has been placed with your family?

Prior to adoption in the state of New Mexico, anyone interested in adopting a child must successfully complete a home study.

The home study is an evaluation which assesses your ability to provide a stable, nurturing home for a child. There are many different things to expect during your home study. These can include, but are not limited to:

• Individual interviews with each prospective adoptive parents
• Joint interviews 
• Interviews with other family members 
• A discussion of parenting philosophies 
• Criminal record checks 
• Letters of reference 
• Current medical certificates 
• Fingerprinting and fingerprint analysis

You can expect the home study to include adoptive parents, their children, and other permanent residents of their home.

5. Adoption Expenses -- What adoption expenses can be paid by adoptive families in New Mexico?

Adoption expenses can be confusing. What can and can’t you pay for during the adoption process?

In New Mexico, potential adoptive parents may make payments for services relating to the adoption of a child to third-party vendors only when it is considered practical and these payments may include the cost of counseling services, medical, hospital, nursing, and pharmaceutical expenses incurred by the birth mother or the prospective adopted child.

 Adoptive parents can pay for living expenses of the birth mother and her child for a reasonable period of time before and after the birth and placement of the child in the adoptive home. They can also pay for legal services for a parent consenting to the adoption.

 

For more information about adoption, adoption agencies and adoption laws for the state of New Mexico, please contact Care Net Pregnancy Centers of Albuquerque at (505) 814-9232.

5 Reasons to Get STI Testing Done Today

At Pregnant Help Online, we believe in providing outstanding, reliable, confidential STI testing for Albuquerque women of all ages. Sexually transmitted infections can be mild or serious, but each one should be prevented, treated, and managed as soon as possible. Why should you get an STI test completed today? Here are five of the best reasons:

1. STI Testing Preserves Your Health

Similar to taking medicine when you are sick and visiting a doctor when you cannot get over an illness — seeking proper diagnosis when you believe you have been exposed to an STI is a responsible thing to do for you and your partner. Getting tested regularly helps you monitor and preserve your sexual health. Keep in mind that some STIs impact more than just your sexual organs. Some illnesses can severely impact the rest of your body as well.

2. Anyone Can Have an STI

Yes — absolutely anyone can have an existing STI. This includes those with only one consistent, long-term sexual partner and those who have not yet engaged in sexual intercourse. Sexually transmitted infections and diseases can spread in several different ways including congenitally, which is during pregnancy, before birth. Even if you believe you are practicing safe sex or abstaining from sexual contact with others, it is still important that you get tested regularly during annual physical exams.

3. Many STIs Are Treatable & Even Curable

Advances in the field of medicine have resulted in new treatment options for many sexually transmitted infections. By receiving STI testing in Albuquerque, you can identify and treat your conditions before they become serious or even life threatening. Some of these diseases are treated and cured in as little as a few weeks.

4. An STI Test is Quick, Easy & Confidential

Never feel ashamed or embarrassed about your sexual health. STI tests are important and can be completed quickly, conveniently, and confidentially. Not getting tested increases your risk of harming your body further and potentially spreading the disease to others.

5. You Love & Respect Yourself

You love yourself and you respect your body — prove it by getting an STI test done today. Contact Pregnant Help Online now and we will help you receive the STI testing Albuquerque women need to preserve their sexual health and overall wellness.

Reasons to Consider for Late-Term Abortion

If you are considering a late term abortion Albuquerque, our compassionate team at Pregnant Help Online want you to know that you are not alone. Pregnancy can be a worrisome time in a woman’s life and the thought of a late-term abortion could be an overwhelming and confusing thought. For some women, this may be the appropriate course of action to take to prevent severe or fatal health complication for the fetus or mother. Although every woman’s case is unique and requires specific treatment, there are many general reasons why a woman may consider a late-term abortion.

Reasons to Consider a Late Term Abortion Albuquerque

As a woman progresses through their pregnancy, any number of hazardous health conditions may present themselves to the mother or the fetus. While there are a vast majority of pregnancies that successfully reach the birthing stage without causing harm to the mother or child, there continue to be many problematic pregnancies throughout the year. Physicians may suggest that a woman should consider a late-term abortion for the following reasons:

• Maternal Health Endangerment: Unfortunately, some health conditions present themselves which endanger the woman’s health or even life. A late-term abortion may be the safest way to preserve the health of the woman, especially when there is a low possibility of fetal survival.
• Fetal Abnormalities: During the pregnancy, complications may cause fetal abnormalities that will likely lead to the death of the fetus during the pregnancy or shortly after birth. A late-term abortion may be recommended if the fetus has an extremely low chance of survival, especially if it can also put the woman at risk.
• Restrictive Laws: There are no federal laws dictating the legalities of abortions — they are legal in all 50 states. However, some states may have laws that restrict women from undergoing abortion for a number of reasons. A woman may undergo a late-term abortion if she had to seek out healthcare due to her home state restricting her initial abortion.

You are not alone in your pregnancy. For advice and assistance as you consider a late term abortion Albuquerque, contact the caring team at Care Net Pregnancy Center of Albuquerque today.

Risks and Complications of the Abortion Pill

Have you considered taking an abortion pill? Unplanned pregnancies and pregnancies that include health complications may have encouraged you to seek out this contraceptive pill as a solution. The compassionate staff at Care Net in Albuquerque wants all women to be educated on their options for ending a pregnancy. We believe that you should know the complications and risk associated with taking an abortion pill before you make your final decision.

Risks and Complications of the Abortion Pill

●        The abortion pill might not work, they are not 100% effective. There are instances in which a woman takes an abortion pill but the pregnancy is not terminated.

●        You may have an allergic reaction. Depending on your immune system, you may not discover that you are allergic to the abortion pill until after taking it.

●        You may develop a fever over 100 degrees within a day after taking the pill.

●        You may experience symptoms like vomiting, nausea, weakness, or diarrhea within a day after taking the pill.

●        You may bleed too excessively or for long periods of time. Another issue is that you may not bleed at all or develop blood clots in your uterus.

●        Pregnancy tissue could still be left in your uterus after the abortion. This could lead to infections and other complications.

●        You may experience stomach pains or cramping that becomes severe.

●        Finally, although it is highly uncommon, there is also a medical warning of death to patient.

As with all other medical procedures, an abortion does carry risks of health complications. These risks are possibilities whether you take an abortion pill or if you undergo an abortion procedure. Knowing the risk of complications, and what to do if you experience symptoms, is important before you make your decision. If you do take the pill and have any side effects, whether or not they are on this list, consult a medical professional immediately.

The team at Care Net prioritizes the health of all women. If you are currently experiencing an unplanned pregnancy or a pregnancy that involves health complications, we encourage you to seek help. Care Net provides services, resources, and advice for all pregnant women. If you are in Albuquerque or nearby areas, schedule a confidential appointment today if you’re considering taking the abortion pill.

Are You at Risk For STI/STD? Reduce Your Risk!

Do you know if you are at risk for a sexually transmitted disease? Many women and men may unknowingly engage in behaviors that increase their risk of contracting an STD. Unfortunately, not all STIs have identifiable symptoms. In fact, many sexually transmitted infections often go unnoticed until serious health complications occur.

The STI testing Albuquerque women use to preserve and protect their sexual health is administered by the compassionate and confidential staff at Care Net Pregnancy Center. Whether you believe you have an STI, or if you have engaged in sexual contact with a partner who may have an STI, it’s important that you get tested as soon as possible.

Risk Factors for STI Transmission

There are many ways that you can develop an STI, particularly if you engage in the following behaviors:

●        Engaging in safe sex. Although safe sex practices reduce your risk, it is not as safe as abstinence.

●        Engaging in unprotected sex. STIs can be transmitted orally, vaginally or anally, with or without protection.

●        Engaging in sex with multiple partners. Having sex with multiple partners, or having sex with one person who has sex with multiple partners, increases your risk.

●        Engaging in intravenous drug usage. Sharing needles can significantly increase your chances of developing diseases including STIs.

●        Engaging in alcohol or drug use. Any substances that impair your judgment may make you susceptible to engaging in other risky behaviors.

Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Developing an STI

Although there are many ways you can contract a sexually transmitted infection, there are thankfully many ways you can reduce your risk as well:

●        Abstain from sexual contact. Abstinence is one of the best ways to substantially reduce your risk.

●        Engage in sex with limited partners. Communicate with your partners about their sexual history too.

●        Do not have sexual relations while under the influence of substances. Sober, safe sex decreases your risk for STIs.

●        Do not share needles with others. Never share or use old needles with anyone.

●        Get tested right away if you believe you may have an STI. If left untreated, having one STI increases your chances of developing another.

STI Testing Albuquerque

For Care Net Pregnancy Centre of Albuquerque your sexual health is a priority. To learn more about reducing your risk for STIs, or for confidential STI testing, please call Care Net today.

Emotional Spectrum Costs of Abortion

There is a significant abortion cost women must consider. Women who undergo an abortion may experience powerful emotions ranging across the spectrum. Although there is no way to be certain how each individual woman will psychologically feel after their abortion, research has found that some women do experience negative emotions following their procedure.

The Emotional Spectrum Involved in Abortion

Choosing an abortion is a life-changing decision for many women. Even during the decision-making process, women can experience emotions like fear, uncertainty, shame, guilt, and depression. However, the reaction following the procedure can be much stronger for some women. Women may experience a range of negative emotional side effects after undergoing an abortion. In fact, research shows that women who have abortions have a higher risk of developing mental health problems.  

Women may experience some, all, or none of the following emotions post-abortion:

●        Depression

●        Anxiety

●        Shame

●        Guilt

●        Regret

●        Anger

Some women may choose not to address their emotions by self-medicating with drugs, alcohol or other substances. Some women may even choose to shut their emotions off by avoiding bothersome thoughts, severing their personal relationships with friends and family or engaging in denial. Along with abortion cost, other psychological issues women may face include:

●        Eating disorders

●        Insomnia or nightmares

●        Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

●        Sexual dysfunction

All women should talk with a trusted individual about their emotions after undergoing an abortion. Whether they discuss their feelings with friends and family or seek professional therapy, it is important to discuss these emotions and learn how to psychologically heal from this trauma. There are many reasons why an abortion can be a positive choice for the mother, and sudden emotional discourse should not prevent you from standing by your decision.

Care Net in Albuquerque understands that there is an emotional abortion cost that women may not fully consider. However, that does not mean that all women will feel negative psychological side effects after their procedure. In fact, many women may feel empowered, relieved, confident or safer after making the decision to end a pregnancy that carried emotional, physical and financial hardships that the woman could not risk.

For more information about post-abortion emotional risks, please contact the compassionate staff at Care Net, Albuquerque.

Adoption Agencies In NM which Offers Legal Adoption Services

Hundreds of children are adopted in New Mexico every year. Thousands more live in foster care homes waiting to be adopted into a new family. If you believe now is the right time for you to bring one of these amazing children into your home, the experts at CareNet encourage you to reach out to one of these fine adoption agencies in New Mexico which offers legal adoption services.

The Bair Foundation is a national Christian adoption agency providing intervention to help children find homes where they can be cared for and loved in a safe space. They continue to support adoptive and foster families during and after each child has been placed. The Bair Foundation also helps place children with health issues find homes that can provide the physical, emotional and financial support they need.

American Adoptions is involved in hundreds of adoptions each year — almost as many as one per day! As one of the largest agencies in the United States, American Adoptions have helped build more than five thousand families over the last quarter of a century. They are ready to guide pregnant mothers and prospective adoptive families through the adoption process to ensure every child finds a loving home.

Adoption Resources Santa Fe is one of the many adoption agencies in New Mexico which provide no-cost counseling and support for those who are considering adoption. Educational seminars on adoption options, assistance searching for birth families, and other resources are also offered through this local service.
Adoption Assistance Agency’s goal is to bring New Mexico families together for life. They accomplish this goal by working with adoptive families on a daily basis in person, unlike agencies located out of state which may communicate primarily with clients through phone calls or emails. This service will guide you step by step through your unique adoption process from initial consultation to the first day you bring your new child home.

Adoption is a noble way to give a child the life that they deserve. If you are considering placing your baby or child up for adoption, we encourage you to reach out to a caring counselor at CareNet who can help you understand what options are available.