Why Consider Adoption?

Adoption has existed in one form or another for a very long time. It is a legal process that transfers the parental rights of a child from one set of parents to another. But, at its core, it's much more than a legal process. It's a decision that involves great emotion and dramatically changes the lives of those touched by the decision - the birthparents, the child, the adoptive parents and of course, their families as well. Your choices regarding your child will radically affect the rest of your life and the life of your child.

Adoption is not "giving away" or abandoning your child. It is a plan for your child's future. A deliberate and well thought out plan you make to take care of your child in the way you think best. It's not an easy decision. It never is. But it may be the best decision for your situation. Making an adoption plan for your child is a legitimate form of mothering.

The practice of adoption has changed considerably in the last 20 years. You have more options than you may have thought possible. Adoption allows the birth parents to know they have made the best choice for their child.  

As you probably know, there are many people who hope someday to adopt a child. And there aren't as many babies available for adoption as in the past. Many of these couples wait years before being able to participate in an adoption plan with someone. We'll talk more about them later. But for them, adoption is their only way to have a family - a way for them to love and nurture a child they have longed for. Adoptive parents can, and do, love a child as fully and selflessly as biological parents can.

In the past, adoption often involved the child gaining adoptive parents but losing all contact with his or her birth family. Today, however, it's understood that it is healthier to look at adoption as a way to add to the child's life ... to add a loving adoptive family without necessarily taking away all contact with the birth family. Adoption is a response to a strong maternal instinct just as surely as parenting is. Their love is so great that the needs and best interests of their children have become primary. Adoption is a way to add to your child's life.  Adoption is about love, sacrifice and hard choices. Again, it isn't easy, but it is a decision you can feel good about. And although it may not feel like it at first, it can be a very positive decision for you and your child.

There are many reasons birthparents consider adoption. And no two situations are alike. But if you are like most birthparents considering adoption, this was an unplanned pregnancy - bringing with it all the emotions and challenges this entails.

Why Consider Adoption?
You may feel that you are not ready to be a parent. But in a short time, you will be one - with all the responsibilities that brings. You will be responsible for providing for your child and making good decisions for him or her. You may decide that the best way you can provide for your child is through adoption - by choosing a loving family to provide for him or her. At this time in your life you may not be able to give your baby what he or she will need.

Adoption is not about not loving your baby. It's about loving your baby enough to do what is best for him or her, even at the cost of causing you pain.

There will be many factors to consider. And only you can make the decision.