If you’ve confirmed your pregnancy with a free pregnancy test at Life Choices and also had a free ultrasound to confirm you haven’t miscarried, it’s time to look at your pregnancy options. One of your options is making an adoption plan. There are many different aspects to think through, one of which is whether open or closed adoption might be best for you.
Why Should You Consider Adoption?
If you’re working and/or going to school, having difficulties with finances or a relationship, or already taking care of others, adoption could be your best choice. Like your other options, abortion or parenting, adoption isn’t an easy decision. You need a lot of support before, during, and after.
Benefits of Choosing Adoption
- Adoptive families can provide proper healthcare, education, a safe, loving home, and better opportunities for your child
- You won’t have the day-to-day responsibilities of motherhood
- You’ll have the opportunity to move on with your future while knowing you’ll always be a part of your child’s life story
Where To Start
Start by choosing a reputable adoption agency or lawyer you can trust. Your adoption coordinator should talk with you about the adoption process, the legal requirements for your state, the father’s involvement, and ask why you’re considering adoption.
No one should pressure you to make an adoption plan or ask you to pay for their services. This is your decision and learning as much as possible will give you the confidence to make the right choice.
Making Your Adoption Plan
There are many myths and misunderstandings about the adoption process. As you consider this option, you might get pushback from family and friends who don’t understand. The bottom line is what’s best for you and your child.
As the birth mother, you have the right to decide what type of plan would be best. If you’d like, you can be in complete control of the process. Most plans are determined by how much involvement you’d like to have with your child and their adoptive family going forward.
Closed Adoption
Some women feel it would be better not to be involved in the adoption planning. They prefer to remain anonymous for a variety of reasons. There could be an unhealthy family dynamic or other relationship that would be dangerous for their child. Or, they feel remaining anonymous helps them move on with their lives.
If this is your situation, choose a closed or confidential adoption plan. In a closed adoption, your coordinator will choose a couple based on your expectations. You won’t know one another’s names or other identifying information. The original birth certificate is sealed to keep your name and location private.
Open Adoption
Open adoption is the exact opposite. You choose the adopting family by viewing their bios. With an open adoption plan, you and the adoptive family you’ve chosen share identifying information like full names, addresses, and phone numbers with each other.
You can meet the couple before the birth and even request they come to the delivery room with you. Afterward, you and the adoptive family exchange letters, texts, photos, and arrange meetings. In many cases, the birth mom becomes an additional member of the adoptive family.
Is Adoption Right For You?
Only you can determine if adoption is the right choice for you and your child. Every situation is unique and so is every woman’s choice. How can we help you? Set up a no-cost appointment to talk about this option and others. We can offer referrals to agencies and a little more background information. We want to help you make a confident, empowered decision.
