Considering Adoption?

There are many misconceptions associated with adoption. In recent years, these misconceptions and myths have been debunked. For example, giving your child up for adoption doesn’t mean that you don’t love them; nor does it mean that you are selfish. Adoption means that you are taking the necessary steps so that your child has the best chance at a good life.

Just as the feelings towards adoption have changed recently, the adoption process has changed a great deal in the past decade. Now, there are several types of adoptions that are available to expectant mothers.

Closed Adoption

A closed adoption refers to an adoption process where the information about the adoptive family and birth mother isn’t shared between the two parties. Additionally, all communication is facilitated individually through the adoption agency, and not between the two parties. According to the National Adoption Center, as a birth mother, the adoptive family will receive only “non-identifying” information regarding you and the baby before he/she is legally adopted into their family – thus keeping your identity and your personal life private. Once the adoption process is final, all records are sealed and are unavailable to access until the adopted child is of legal age.

Open Adoption

An open adoption means that you as a birth mother can receive information from and have contact with a potential adoptive family. For some, this could mean receiving photos and letters about the family, or even phone calls, prior to the adoption. An open adoption can also translate into being a part of the child’s life in some form through occasional facilitated meetings or through letters and photos. An open adoption should be an agreement between the birth mother and the adoptive parents.

If you have additional questions about the process or are considering adoption, Abundant Life can help. We can refer you to an adoption agency that will work with you to assess your unique situation. Make your free appointment today!