Choosing to make an adoption plan seems scary because so many falsehoods surround it. The truth is, adoption is a valid parenting decision if you’re not ready to be a parent.
Placing your child for adoption is not an easy decision. You love your child and want what’s best for them. When you realize you’re not capable of parenting, selecting other parents who can care for them instead is a loving choice.
Let’s take a closer look at some common adoption myths.
1. I’ll Never See My Child Again
There are basically three different adoption plans to choose from: open, semi-open, and closed. Which one you choose determines the amount of contact you have with your child after they are adopted.
An open adoption offers the highest amount of contact. You share some form of identifying information, such as your address, phone number, or email. You and the adoptive family will communicate directly with each other.
A semi-open adoption is also known as a mediated adoption. You still have contact with the adoptive family and your child, but all communication goes through your adoption coordinator first. It provides more privacy for everyone.
A closed adoption is the only plan where you will have no further contact with your child or their adoptive family. Only about 5% of adoptions are closed today.
2. I Won’t Know Who Adopts My Child
Today, expectant mothers and birth mothers have the opportunity to select the family that will raise their child. If you choose to do so, you’ll review family bios that provide information about each couple.
You learn about their home life, neighborhood, family, hobbies, pets, and jobs. Bios serve as a way for them to introduce themselves to you. Once you select a couple, you can meet them and begin to build a relationship. They won’t be strangers.
3. It’s Bad to Place My Child For Adoption
Adoption is a choice made out of love. It isn’t wrong or bad. A woman who chooses adoption for her child recognizes that she cannot give them the life she would like them to have. She is selflessly providing something better.
People who believe adoption is wrong do not understand its purpose. Adoption often gives your child excellent opportunities that they wouldn’t otherwise have, while also allowing you to continue your education or career.
If you are experiencing emotional or physical challenges, adoption can provide a stable, two-parent home. It is a vital alternative if you’re facing housing issues, relationship problems, or financial struggles.
4. My Child Will Hate Me Because They’re Adopted
The truth is, with an open or semi-open adoption plan, you have the opportunity to tell your child why you chose adoption. You can write them a letter or speak with them directly when they’re older to explain that you wanted more for them than you could provide.
Most adoptive parents speak with love and respect for their birth mothers. They know that they’ve been entrusted with a phenomenal gift. As adoptive parents learn about the many benefits for their child by having an open or semi-open relationship, they encourage their child to be thankful for their birth families.
Would You Like to Know More About the Adoption Option?
Although we are not a licensed child-placing agency, the team at the Pregnancy Help Center can provide referrals to local, reputable adoption specialists.
Adoption services for expectant mothers or birth mothers are entirely free. In many cases, you can receive financial assistance for pregnancy-related services, including medical, legal, housing, and transportation expenses.
If you would like more information, please schedule a free and confidential appointment with one of our caring peer advocates. How can we help you today?