If you’re considering adoption for your unexpected pregnancy but are concerned about your privacy, you may want to consider a semi-open adoption instead.
With a semi-open adoption, you still communicate with the adoptive family and your child, but it isn’t direct contact.
In June, we examined open adoption. Let’s look at the difference between an open and semi-open adoption.
You Have Choices With Adoption
An expectant woman or birth mother has many choices with today’s adoption. You can select the family that raises your child, determine the type of future you want your child to have, and choose the amount of communication you wish to have with the adoptive family.
With both an open and semi-open adoption, you still have the option of selecting the adoptive family who will raise your child. You can view bios or videos of potential adoptive couples, meet them, and choose the couple you feel is right for you and your baby.
Another choice within adoption is determining the amount and type of contact you wish to have with the family and your child. Before finalization, you can arrange a contact agreement that suits everyone’s needs.
A critical thing to remember is that adoption requires a great deal of trust. A birth mother must trust that the adoptive couple will maintain contact, and the adoptive family must trust that the birth mother will honor them as her child’s parents. Everyone feels very cautious in the beginning.
Open Adoption
You and the adoptive couple determine how and when you will contact one another. You can exchange phone numbers, email addresses, or physical addresses, and you have the freedom to contact one another directly.
Semi-Open Adoption
A semi-open adoption is also known as a mediated adoption. You still have contact with the adoptive family and your child, but your adoption coordinator (such as an adoption agency) handles all communication.
In other words, you or the adoptive couple would first send letters or emails to the agency, and they would pass them along. It provides an extra layer of privacy for everyone.
Many families start with a semi-open adoption plan, and as they become more comfortable with one another, they exchange more identifying information to communicate directly.
How Can the Pregnancy Help Center Assist Me?
We are not a licensed child-placing agency, but we can make referrals to several local, reputable adoption agencies. We understand the emotions involved with placing your child for adoption.
Remember, as the expectant mother or birth mother, you make the decisions, and you have the right to change your mind at any time before signing legal papers. Let us help you take a closer look at this option to see if it’s right for you.
You can fill out our confidential Contact Form or call us at 314.894.9800. We’re here to help you find the brightest future!