Considering Adoption?
Of all of your options for your unplanned pregnancy, adoption is the most misunderstood. Like the other choices, placing your child for adoption is not an easy decision to make.
But sometimes, the most difficult decisions we face are the best ones we’ve ever made. Take a closer look at the adoption process to see if it is your best decision.
Adoption Plans
There are different adoption plans based on the amount of contact the birth family would like to have with their child and the adoptive family. The more open you are to contact, the more involvement you have in the process.
You should never pay for any adoption services a reputable adoption agency or specialist provides. We can give you referrals.
Open Adoption
Whether you are an expectant mother or have already given birth, you choose the potential adoptive couple with open adoption.
Your adoption specialist shows you portfolios of qualified adoptive couples, and you choose the family. Do you want your child to have siblings? Pets? Hobbies? Follow a particular religion? You decide what is essential.
Once you’ve selected a couple, you can meet ahead of time and begin building a relationship.
Closed Adoption
Closed adoptions are rare today. With this plan, your adoption specialist chooses the adoptive couple for you, and you have no contact before or after placement. The courts seal the original birth certificate, and you do not exchange identifying information.
Semi-Open Adoption
If you like the idea of knowing the couple that adopts your child but also wish to remain private, choose a semi-open plan. This adoption plan allows you to pick the family and have ongoing communication.
The adoption agency or specialist handles all communication. You learn about your child without sharing identifying information.
Making Your Adoption Decision
You may ask, “How can I carry a child for 9 months and then give it away?” The truth is no one who cares for their child gives them away. You make a plan for their future and your own.
In many instances, funds are available for your rent, food, utilities, and maternity clothing as you make your adoption plan.
Adoption is difficult and requires a strong support network, but you are making the most courageous and selfless decision possible. You are putting your child’s needs before your own.
Talk with a pregnancy decision coach about the adoption process. We offer counseling before, during, and after your pregnancy. You won’t travel this road alone.
