Adoption

Don’t overlook the Adoption Option

Adoption is often overlooked as an option for women, but it can be a healthy and positive compromise between abortion and parenting. Adoption gives you the opportunity to pursue previous life goals and plans and allows peace about the decision to give your child a future. Choosing adoption is choosing to make a plan for your baby’s life.

Most Asked Questions About Adoption

How can adoption be good for my baby and me?

If you are not ready to be a parent, you can still give your baby the gift of life by choosing adoption. You can plan your baby’s future by selecting a stable, loving, family to care for your baby. At birth you can see your baby, name your baby, love your baby. If you choose, you can receive updates on your child’s progress while you continue your education and career goals. Finally, you avoid the trauma and heartbreak of abortion. You can be proud of your decision for adoption.

Can I choose a family for my baby?

Yes, you can choose a family friend, acquaintance, or someone who has been recommended to you, even someone in another state. Or you can choose from parents screened by an adoption agency who have been waiting to become parents.

How much contact can I have with my baby after birth and after adoption?

You may have as much contact with your baby at the hospital as is comfortable for you. In most places you can choose an open adoption that allows for ongoing visits, or you can choose a less open adoption in which your updates come through letters and pictures arranged through your agency. Adoptive families respect your need to know that your child is well cared for.

Many birth mothers want their baby placed by the time they leave the hospital. Some prefer to place their baby in interim care while they think through their adoption decision.

How much will my child know about me?

Most agencies will encourage you to pass your medical and social history on to your child. You may choose to share your identity and where you live with the adoptive family. Or, if you have an open adoption, your child and adoptive family can have ongoing access to you and what’s happening in your life.

Does the father have any rights?

If the father of your baby knows that you are pregnant and is supportive of the adoption, he can be as involved in the process as you would like. If he is not supportive of the adoption, nor supportive of you and your pregnancy, then an agency can work with you in terminating his rights.

Will my child have information about his or her birth father?

This will depend on the birth father’s cooperation with you and the agency. Some birth fathers give their full medical and social history, recognizing how important it is for the child. At other times, only the information you give us will be passed on.

Can my child find me if he or she wants to search someday?

At the time of the adoption, you can choose to have an open file to your child. If you do, your child will have access to your identity and most agencies will assist in the search. If you choose a closed adoption, your identity will remain anonymous.

How can I be sure my child will not be neglected or abused?

Most agencies only approve adoptive families who meet standards that are shared with you. In an open adoption you will see for yourself how well your child is cared for and how much your child is loved.

Do I need an attorney or do I pay my agency to assist me with the adoption?

When placing your baby for adoption through a reputable agency, you do not need an attorney, and there are no costs to you.

For more information about Adoption, Single Parenting, or Marriage, please contact the Pregnancy Resource Center. We can provide counseling, information and referrals.