What Is Open Adoption?
If an unexpected pregnancy has brought you here, you’re most likely considering other options besides abortion. It’s important to understand all of your options and open adoption is one of them. You are the only one who knows your situation and what is best for you and your pregnancy. Consider writing the next chapter of your story here.
How does the adoption process work?
By choosing adoption, you (and the birth father, if he’s in the picture) do not become any less of a parent. You are just choosing to be a different type of parent.
As the birth mother, the adoption process lets you establish the plan that is right for you. For your child, adoption is a lifelong relationship with another set of parents. It is not a situation of “shared custody” or “co-parenting.” Legal adoptions permanently transfer all rights and responsibilities from the biological parent(s) to the adoptive family.
Deciding to put your child first by choosing adoption is one of the most difficult, yet loving decisions any woman can make. Even if the birth father is no longer a part of your life, you still have the ability to create a wonderful adoption plan for your child.
What is open adoption?
Today, most adoptions are open. Through open adoption, the birth family becomes an extension of the adoptive family, creating relationships to benefit everyone involved. You can choose to exchange all identifying information such as full names, phone numbers, emails, and addresses or limit contact to just phone calls or FB messages.
In the beginning, birth parents and the adoptive couple often feel awkward tension. It’s very understandable. A birth mother worries the adoptive family won’t recognize her as a mother. The adoptive family fears the relationship will be too confusing for their child.
Adoption, no matter what plan you create, requires everyone involved to trust one another before, during, and after placement. You’re creating a complete circle for your child’s story. By being involved in their life, you can explain how you chose adoption out of love.
Have you considered working with a reputable adoption agency?
At Women’s Resource Medical Center, we do not personally handle adoptions. However, our counselors will walk you through the process of open adoption and offer referrals to reputable adoption agencies.
We are available to listen and provide information to assist you in making your decision. Together, we will discuss your current situation and how we might help now and in the future.
It is your choice. Is Adoption Right For You?
No one can or should make this decision for you, but we can give you the information you need to move forward. Adoption can be the right choice no matter where you are in your parenting journey. Some birth mothers or birth families realize they are unable to parent their child weeks, months, or even years after they’ve made the choice to do so.
Give us a call and set up your confidential appointment to look more closely at the option of adoption. Our services are always free to our expectant mothers or birth mothers.
At this very moment, you are writing the next chapter of your life’s story. We know it will be beautiful.