Adoption Information

What is adoption

Adoption is a legal process in which the biological parents of a biological child choose to relinquish all responsibilities and rights of their child, giving their child to an individual or couple of their choice. In return, the adoptive family agrees to nurture, parent, care, and provide for that child as they would their own child.

Important things to consider

Am I able to presently provide for this baby? (i.e. a home, clothing & food, and a healthy emotional & physical life)

Would having a child right now be the best choice for me with my career, educational goals, etc.? Or, should I choose adoption for my child and resume my normal life within the next year?

Am I emotionally prepared to begin being a parent?

How does my family feel about adoption? Would they support me if I chose adoption? Would they support me if I chose to parent?

What would I like to be doing with my life 5 years from now? 10 years from now?

What is the best decision for both me and my baby?

Benefits of Adoption*

Adoption benefits everyone in the adoption triad. Many of these benefits are helpful to the birthmother and birthfather. Other benefits are directed at the child who is being placed for adoption and/or the adoptive parents. Adoption brings a positive ending to a challenging situation and benefits everyone involved.

Potential Benefits for the Birthmother

• Housing assistance may be available
• Counseling and support
• The opportunity to fulfill your dreams whether educational travel or career
• The opportunity to make the dreams you have for your child come true
• Prenatal and delivery expenses paid as needed
• A better choice of excellent doctors and staff
• You get to choose a family for your child that you like best, and can get to know them personally
• A support group of birth mothers who will share their experiences with you
• Members of your family may also receive counseling/support services
• All legal expenses and attorney fees will be paid for you
• The opportunity to bring many people a lot of happiness that could not occur without you
• The happiness that comes with knowing that the adoptive parents know you love this baby enough to insure his or her happiness

Benefits for the Child

• The love and support of adoptive parents who are emotionally and financially ready to parent
• A desirable home and family life
• A two parent home that may also include a brother or sister
• Resources and provisions that might not otherwise be available
• A greater probability of good educational resources

Benefits for the Adoptive Family

• Receive the joy and blessing of adding a child to their family
• Opportunity to go through the pregnancy and related experiences that would not otherwise be possible
• Ability to fulfill dreams of raising a child

*Information from http://www.americanpregnancy.org/adoption/benefitsofadoption.html