Pregnant but not sure if you’re ready to be a parent? Many women in this situation feel like they only have one real option — abortion. However, it’s essential to take time to consider all of your options, including adoption!
If you’re interested in learning more about adoption as a pregnancy option, you’ve come to the right place! Considering adoption is a brave step in this journey, you might find it your most empowering choice.
What are the different types of adoption?
Before we jump into the details of how to pursue adoption, let’s chat about the different types of adoption you might encounter.
Adoptions come in all shapes and sizes, and as the birth mother, you would be in the driver’s seat to decide what kind you’re most comfortable with! The main types of adoption are called “open” and “closed.”
Open adoptions are the most common form of adoption relationships. Open adoption is where the birth mother picks the family. She can contact her child in some way or another, whether through letters, photos, calls, or visits.
In an open adoption, your child will grow up knowing that you are their birth mother.
Closed adoptions, while uncommon today, are also an option. Closed adoptions are when the child and adoptive parents don’t have any contact with the birth mother. Again, the birth mother is in the driver’s seat and would never be forced into a closed adoption without consent.
How do I go about the adoption process?
Once you decide to pursue adoption, you’ll be able to choose whether you want to go through an adoption agency or an adoption attorney.
If you choose to pursue adoption privately or through direct placement, you can go through an adoption attorney. A skilled adoption attorney will advocate for you throughout the process and ensure that your rights are being accounted for. The cost of the adoption attorney will be paid for by the adoptive parents.
An adoption agency is an excellent choice for anyone considering adoption but is unsure of where to start. Adoption agencies are there to help you find the option that’s best for you. They help guide you through the entire process and talk you through the myriad of emotions you might experience along the way.
With the help of your adoption professional, you’ll be able to decide what kind of relationship you want with your child after the adoption, whether open or closed.
You’ll then be able to work with your adoption agency to choose a family for your child. You’ll be able to decide what qualities you’re looking for in adoptive parents and look through profile books to find a family that feels right for your child.
Want to learn more about adoption?
While each pregnancy option comes with its own set of questions, we know that adoptions can feel incredibly confusing. Thankfully, there are plenty of resources available to help you along the way!
Your friends at The Hope Clinic are here to help answer any questions you might have about the adoption process. We will provide you with adoption agency referrals so that you can begin creating an adoption plan that’s right for you!