Adoption
Placing a baby for adoption can be a wonderful solution to an unplanned pregnancy. Birth parents may have periods of sadness, or feel a sense of loss, especially at first. But, in the long run, most birth parents feel very good about their decision to place for adoption. This seems to be especially true with open & semi-open adoptions. Birth parents are able to select a family, and to keep in contact with the family and the adopted child. When birth parents see how the adopted child is growing, and that the child is happy and healthy, it usually gives them a sense of satisfaction that they were able to give the child a good, stable life. Placing a child for adoption also gives the birth parents an opportunity to finish their education or to pursue their life’s goals without the added responsibility of becoming a teen or single parent.
Here are the top 10 reasons why young women commonly fear placing a baby for adoption. See if any of them sound familiar. (you may need to change the magnification to 100% at the top of the page in order to more easily read the list)
There are many amazing, loving families who are anxiously awaiting a new baby to love and care for. Those who choose to place their baby for adoption have the opportunity to select a family to place their baby with, and to help set the rules for future visits with the child. See a list of current waiting families here.
There are many different types of adoptions. But, when it comes to birth parents choosing to place a newborn for adoption in a loving home, there are 4 basic types of adoption.
Relative Adoption- In this type of adoption, the child is legally adopted by a relative, such as a grandparent. This is not the same thing as a grandparent helping to raise a grandchild. In a relative adoption, the child is officially and legally adopted by a family member. This type of adoption sometimes takes place when the birth mother is in prison or passes away, but it can take place for other reasons as well.
Closed Adoption- In this type of adoption, there is no contact between the birth mother and the adoptive family. There are sometimes situations where this is the best solution. However, most of the time, adoption counselors will not recommend this type of adoption. Most of the time, birth parents are encouraged to have an open or a semi-open adoption. (more about closed adoptions)
Semi-Open Adoption- In this type of adoption, the birth parents may select the family that the child is placed with. The birth parents also receive ongoing updates on the child. This may come in the form of letters, or photos, or whatever communication is agreed upon. (more on semi-open adoptions)
Open Adoption- In this type of adoption, the birth mother is allowed and encouraged to periodically visit the child and his/her family. The frequency and terms of visitation are discussed before the adoption takes place. (more on open adoptions)
Read Cathy’s adoption story-In the summer of 1995, my husband and I received a phone call that forever changed our lives. We had been chosen by a beautiful young woman to be the parents of her unborn baby.