What Do You Think About Adoption?
Have you heard the phrase, “giving up my child for adoption?” That’s one of the many misunderstandings about adoption today. No loving mother “gives up a child.” An expectant woman or birth mother chooses to make an adoption plan for her child when she is unable to care for them herself.
Here are a few other adoption myths:
- I won’t know who adopted my child
- I won’t get to see or know my child
- Adoption is too painful, and I’ll never be happy
- All adopted children hate their birth mothers because they chose adoption
- All adopted children have emotional problems
By speaking with a professional adoption coordinator, you can learn the truth about these statements and others.
The Types of Adoption Plans
There are three adoption plans to choose from. Your plan can change as your child grows or your circumstances change.
Open Adoption
Today, almost 90% of adoptions are either open or semi-open. Open adoption means the birth parents and the adoptive parents you’ve selected exchange identifying information like full names, addresses, and phone numbers. You contact one another directly based on a pre-arranged contact agreement.
Semi-Open Adoption
A semi-open adoption plan (mediated adoption) is similar to open adoption, except you don’t exchange identifying information. A third party, such as your adoption agency or lawyer, distributes letters and emails, or arranges visits. This type of adoption provides more privacy than an open adoption.
Closed Adoption
Only about 10% of adoptions today are completely closed. This plan keeps you and the adoptive family anonymous. You do not meet or correspond with one another, and the courts seal all birth and adoption records.
Advantages of Adoption
Choose a reputable, licensed adoption coordinator who has your best interests at heart. These are some of the things you should look for in a coordinator:
- All adoption services are free
- You should receive thorough adoption counseling without manipulation
- Your medical and legal bills should be covered
- Other pregnancy-related costs like rent, food, and maternity clothes may be covered as the state allows
- 24/7 care and support should be offered
Making the Decision
Choosing to place your child for adoption is never easy, and it shouldn’t be. You love your child, which is why you are choosing adoption. But that love is also why it can be a difficult choice.
Adoption is a loving, selfless, hard decision. Make sure you receive thorough counseling before making this choice.
