Adoption
Adoption is often misunderstood, and people may have heard negative stories about it. However, adoption is very different today from even twenty years ago. Today, you have the right to select your baby’s parents, meet them and even keep in touch over the years. These changes have made the adoption option much easier to consider.
There are many reasons why someone might consider adoption. Perhaps they know in their heart that they can’t take care of the baby due to a lack of time, money, or help. Maybe they already have children, and another baby would be too stressful. Whatever the reason, the good news is that there are many loving couples that are waiting for a baby of their own but can’t have one due to infertility. They are waiting for someone like you – someone who wants to give a baby life and share that baby with them. They want to love you and your baby and provide a strong and stable environment where your child can flourish.
If you are considering adoption, it is important to research all your options. Adoption is a choice that you need to think about carefully, but if you can’t parent, no matter what the reason, adoption may be the right choice for you! Our center would be glad to provide you with a referral to several adoption agencies in our area.
Here are some frequently asked questions about adoption:
- How can I be helped financially? There is no cost to you for adoption. This center can provide you with referrals to several agencies that will help you free of charge. Many agencies will work with the adoptive parents to pay for all your pregnancy-related expenses as well.
- Can I choose a family for my baby? Yes! Most agencies have many different families you can choose from. These families have been screened and approved. There are additional options such as choosing a friend or someone who has been recommended to you.
- How often will I get to see my baby after birth and after adoption? You may have as much contact with your baby at the hospital as you desire. When planning your child’s adoption, you can choose an open adoption plan that allows ongoing visits with your child, or you can choose semi-open adoption that keeps you informed about your child’s progress through letters and pictures. If you prefer not to have any contact with your child or the adoptive family, confidential plans are also possible.
- What’s a “semi-open” adoption plan? In a semi-open plan, you choose a family from written non-identifying material provided by the agency. An agency or third party mediates the contact between you and the adoptive family before and after birth. You will know the adoptive family by their first names only. Adoptive parents may be present at the birth and may meet you before the birth. All correspondence is sent through an agency or third party. Post-placement meetings are arranged and supervised by the mediator. Adoptive parents often share the child’s pictures and letters with you, but may also include gifts, videotapes, etc.
- How soon after birth can my baby go to the parents I choose? The timing of your child’s placement depends on three factors: what you prefer to be the time of placement, legal aspects of adoption, which may vary from state to state, and the cooperation of the birthfather. Many women want their baby placed with the adoptive family directly from the hospital, but you may prefer to place your baby in temporary care while you consider adoption.
- How much will my child know about me? That depends on what type of adoption you choose – open, semi-open, or confidential. Also, your agency will encourage you to provide your complete medical and social history to your child, no matter what type of adoption you choose (in some states this is required).
- Does the birthfather have any rights? Both you and the birthfather have rights. If you disagree about adoption or you no longer have a relationship with him, your agency will work with the birthfather and/or the courts to determine if his rights can be terminated.
- Can my child find me if he/she wants to search someday? Laws in your state determine when your child may have access to information in the adoption file.
We understand that considering adoption can be a difficult decision, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Please feel free to reach out to us for more information or for a referral to adoption agencies in your area.