Adoption

Myths and misunderstandings surround adoption. Women believe they’re giving their babies up to strangers or that their children will be emotionally damaged. They wonder if they can ever heal from this choice or if they will be forever scarred.

Adoption is a difficult decision, but depending on your circumstances, it can be the best choice for you and your baby. You won’t be “giving your baby up” to strangers; your children can grow up strong, happy, and healthy, and you can emotionally heal.

Learn more about this option.

Legal adoption permanently transfers all rights and responsibilities of raising a child from the biological parents to the adoptive parents. It is not co-parenting.

There are three basic types of adoption: open, semi-open, and closed. You choose your plan based on the amount of communication you wish to have with the adoptive family and your child.

You can work with a private adoption agency or have an attorney assist you with placing your child with a known family member or friend. No matter what you decide, you have the freedom and the right to choose who raises your child.

Open Adoption

Today, almost 90% to 95% of all adoptions are open or semi-open. Experts have learned that open communication between all parties helps everyone. An open adoption means you and the adoptive couple you’ve chosen agree to communicate with one another directly.

You may share email addresses, home addresses, or phone numbers. Together, you arrange how and when you contact one another.

Semi-Open Adoption

A semi-open adoption, also known as a mediated adoption, provides more privacy. You still choose the adoptive family, but all communication runs through a third party, such as your adoption agency or attorney.

You can still communicate through email, snail mail, or phone calls, but all contact first goes through your adoption coordinator.

Closed Adoption

Once the only way to legally adopt, closed adoptions today are less than 10% of all adoptions. With a closed adoption, you may or may not know who adopts your child.

You have no contact with one another, and the courts seal the original birth certificate and records. It provides complete anonymity.

Make sure you receive a thorough explanation of the adoption process up front. You need to know the steps to take, the legal requirements, and your rights. Never let anyone pressure or manipulate you into making this decision.

Here’s a list of your rights:

• To pay nothing for adoption services.
• To receive a thorough explanation of the entire adoption process.
• To pay nothing for your hospital and legal expenses.
• To potentially receive additional financial help with other pregnancy-related expenses, as determined by law.
• To choose the couple who will parent your child.
• To select the amount of contact you wish to have with your child and their adoptive family.
• To receive ongoing counseling for as long as you need it.
• To speak with other birth mothers or be referred to birth mother support groups.
• To change your mind at any time until you sign legal papers.

Although we are not a licensed child-placing agency, Hope First can provide referrals to reputable adoption coordinators who can answer your questions and assist you. If you want more information about adoption, please schedule a free and confidential appointment.