What You Need to Know About Adoption
Your future may feel jeopardized by an unplanned pregnancy. But you have options! Of the three options (adoption, abortion, and parenting) the most misconceptions exist about adoption. To find out what you need to know in order to make a decision, keep reading.
What is adoption?
A birthmother places her baby for adoption when she legally surrenders her parental rights to another parent (or parents). Every year, close to 20,000 private adoptions occur in the United States. Adoption laws and processes vary by state.
How does adoption work?
At any point in her pregnancy, a woman may decide to place her baby for adoption after birth. An adoption agency guides a birthmother throughout the entire process, ensuring that she has all the information and the resources she needs to make the best decision for her.
Adoption agencies empower women to make an adoption plan. The plan describes whether a woman wants an open or closed adoption (see below!) and even describes what a woman wants for her delivery process. AMC does not work directly with any one adoption agency.
What is the difference between open and closed adoption?
In an open adoption, a birthmother stays in contact with the adoptive family and adopted child. An adoption agency often helps the birthmother and adoptive family set up expectations. Contact ranges from the regular exchange of photos to spending time together regularly. Many women choose an open adoption because they want to maintain a connection with the child and it gives them more control over the situation.
Other women, however, choose a closed adoption because they would prefer to have no contact with the adoptive family. In a closed adoption, a woman does not keep in contact with the adoptive family. Occasionally, photos may be exchanged through the adoption agency.
Can birth mothers choose the adoptive family?
Adoption agencies empower birthmothers to choose an adoptive family. Often, an agency presents a woman with a list of adoptive families who are waiting for a baby. The list includes a family’s profile with information such as where they live, what they do for work, how many children they have, their religious preferences, and other details. Then, a woman can meet the prospective family if she wants.
What’s the hardest part about adoption?
We refer to adoption as a woman’s brave choice. That’s why we say that a woman ‘places her baby’ for adoption and not ‘gives her baby up.’ But we know that the decision and process come with difficult emotions. Some women decide quickly and confidently; whereas other women may need more time or emotional support to make a decision. Either way is okay! That’s why many adoption agencies walk with women through each step of the process and supply professional guidance.
What’s the best part about adoption?
When a woman places her baby for adoption, she has the power to continue pursuing her dreams and create her future. Women also find peace knowing that their babies will receive the love and attention they need to also thrive in life. Then, through adoption, an adoptive family grows in love as they cherish the adopted child.
What are the adoption laws in California? Can an adoption be reversed?
The laws vary by state. Reach out to AMC and we can put you in touch with your choice of experts who can answer your adoption questions.
How much does an adoption cost?
Birth mothers pay nothing to place their babies for adoption. In fact, adoptive families will often pay for certain costs on behalf of the birth mother. An agency guides this process.
How do I decide whether to parent, have an abortion, or place my baby for adoption?
Deciding what to do about your unplanned pregnancy may be the biggest decision you’ll ever make. So, you want to carefully think through how the decision will affect your life, your health, and your future. Placing your baby for adoption is a brave and selfless choice for you and for your baby.
It’s important to confirm your pregnancy before making a decision. Call us today at 760-280-7671 to make an appointment with our trained professionals. They want to provide you with compassionate and confidential care and education. We want to empower you to make the best decision for you!