In the United States, almost half of the pregnancies reported each year are unplanned. If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, adoption as a pregnancy option is one you might consider. Perhaps you might have questions about how adoption works. A woman who considers adoption today has the freedom to make her own choices and design a unique plan that meets her needs. This article is designed to answer some common questions and help you better understand why you might choose to consider choosing adoption for your baby.
What is Adoption?
Before you consider placing a baby for adoption, it might be helpful to know exactly what adoption is. Dictionary.com defines adoption as “The act of accepting or embracing something; or the act or process of establishing a legal relationship between a child and a parent other than the child’s biological parent, thereby entrusting the designated adult with responsibility for raising the child”.
Why make an Adoption Plan:
There are many reasons women choose to make an adoption plan:
- Not ready to become a mom.
- Still in school
- Financial stress
- Single, no support
- Did not want children.
- Health issues
- Already has children, unable to care for another.
- Pressure from partner or family
- Rape
How Does Adoption Work?
Placing a child for adoption has evolved over the years, now allowing women to design an adoption plan that fits their needs. You can choose between an OPEN adoption plan, a CLOSED adoption plan, or somewhere in between. You get to choose a plan that works best for you.
With Open Adoption you:
- Personalize your own plan.
- Choose the family for your baby.
- Meet with multiple adoptive families before you decide.
- Decide how much or how little contact you want with your baby.
- Choose the type of contact (calls, emails, pictures, in-person visits.)
- Choose whether or not to have a relationship with your child and with the adoptive family.
- Make your own plan for birthing and hospital stay.
- Make plans for your future with confidence in your adoption plan.
A Closed Adoption:
- Maintains confidentiality for both the birth mother and the adoptive family
- Little to no contact between the adoptive family and the biological family
- Agencies will maintain records.
How can I know my baby will grow up with a good family?
- All adoptive parents are extensively evaluated.
- Adoptive parents must meet certain standards set by the state and the agency.
- Many agencies conduct post-adoption visits to check on the well-being of your child.
How can I get more information?
Jewel Women’s Center has information on adoption as a pregnancy option and adoption agencies. Contact Jewel today.
Adoption agencies are available to answer your questions confidentially without any obligation to use their services. Some agencies are available 24 hours a day by phone or text. Feel free to contact more than one agency.