Adoption

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Adoption is significantly different from what it was a few decades ago. Now, the expectant mother or birth mother is in control. Take a closer look at the possible benefits of adoption.

Why Would I Consider Adoption?

Adoption is the legal process of transferring the rights and responsibilities for raising a child from the biological parents to the adoptive parents. It isn’t co-parenting.

For centuries, women facing unexpected pregnancies who are incapable of caring for their child have chosen to place them for adoption. There are several reasons for choosing adoption.

For instance:

• You lack the financial and emotional support to raise a child.
• You are already raising other children and don’t have the capacity to care for another.
• You want to continue your education or career.
• You are in an unhealthy relationship.
• Your living situation is unstable.
• You want your child to be raised in a two-parent, stable, and loving home.

Adoption is not an easy choice, but sometimes the hardest decisions we have to make turn out to be the best for everyone.

Three Types of Adoption

As the expectant mother or birth mother, you get to choose the amount of contact you wish to have with your child and their adoptive family. That desire for contact determines the type of adoption plan you make.

Here are your three options:

Open Adoption

An open adoption provides direct contact between you and the adoptive family. You share identifying information such as full names, addresses, phone numbers, or email addresses. Together, you decide how and when you want to communicate directly with each other.

Semi-Open Adoption

A semi-open adoption is also known as a mediated adoption plan. You still have contact with your child and their adoptive family, but all communication goes through a third party, such as your adoption coordinator. It provides contact, but maintains your privacy.

Closed Adoption

Only 5-10% of adoptions today are closed. A closed adoption means you and the adoptive couple have no contact with each other. The courts seal the adoption records, and you have complete anonymity.

What Are the Benefits of Adoption?

There are many benefits to making an adoption plan. Here are a few:

• You can choose the adoptive couple who will raise your child.
• You determine the environment your child grows up in.
• You decide the amount of openness and contact you wish to have with your child and their adoptive family.
• It costs you nothing to place your child for adoption.
• All of your medical and legal expenses are covered.
• Depending on state laws, your adoption coordinator may be able to assist with other pregnancy-related expenses.
• By choosing a reputable, licensed adoption agency, you receive ongoing adoption counseling.
• You have the freedom to change your mind at any time until you sign legal papers.

Talk With Us About Adoption

The Pregnancy Resource Center is not a licensed child placing agency, but we can offer referrals to reputable ones. You are not asked to make a commitment when you contact them.

Agencies know that this is a challenging decision, and you need time and counseling to determine if it’s the best choice for you. Schedule an appointment to discuss the adoption option with us.