Many women facing an unexpected pregnancy move immediately to the two most common options: parenting and abortion. But the third option, adoption, is often overlooked.
Some of this is because movies and television have misrepresented what adoption really is, and some of it is because it’s difficult to picture bringing a baby into the world and then placing that baby with another family.
You might have concerns like, “What if that family didn’t take good care of my baby?” or, “What if I live the rest of my life wondering what happened to my child?”
Those are normal questions, but they don’t necessarily mean adoption isn’t right for you. All they prove is that you already have maternal feelings for the baby inside you.
It means that you are already becoming a loving mother, whether you will raise your child or entrust him or her to a loving adoptive family.
One thing that is helpful to know is that there are three common types of adoption: open, semi-open, and closed.
Open adoption
– In an open adoption, you can meet and get to know the family who will be adopting your child while you are still pregnant. You will make a plan together, and it’s possible to arrange for letters, phone calls, and even face-to-face visits. As your child grows, you can continue to stay in touch and be a regular part of his or her life, if you choose.
Semi-open adoption
– In a semi-open adoption, you can choose the adoptive parents from a profile, most often provided to you by an adoption agency. These profiles often contain pictures, references, and a personal note from the couple to help you choose a family. Any letters or contact between you and your child would take place through your relationship with the adoption agency.
Closed adoption
– In a closed adoption, you won’t meet or have contact with the adoptive parents. This option can be preferable if you’re concerned about your privacy.
If you’re considering adoption, or just want to learn more about the adoption process to see if it’s right for you, please contact us through chat, send us a message, or call us at 1-800-712-4357, so we can connect you with adoption help in your area.