Among the options of abortion, adoption, and parenting, adoption is sometimes misunderstood or underappreciated as a positive choice for an unexpectedly pregnant woman. Some consider it to be the least beneficial option for the pregnancy too. Adoption truly is a hard decision. A person who chooses this path has to cope with all the complex challenges of carrying to term, before placing the baby in someone else’s care. It’s almost always an emotionally painful process. However, it’s also a commonly misunderstood journey that can include surprising moments of beauty. In this blog, we’ll explore the truth about modern-day adoption, with all its challenges and benefits.
Are you looking for the road that leads to your own best pregnancy decision? Avenue Women’s Center is a great place to start. We’re a limited medical clinic that exists to provide relevant facts and unconditional emotional support, so you can build the foundation you need to pursue the outcome that’s uniquely right for you. We’ve been a trusted provider of free and confidential first-step pregnancy services since 1981.
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A Clear Grasp of Modern Adoption Planning
Most people have complicated feelings about adoption, especially when they’re personally experiencing an unexpected pregnancy. In many cases, their views are largely based on cultural preconceptions or flaws that used to exist within older adoption systems. It’s worth noting that contemporary adoption processes are not what they used to be. If you’re unexpectedly pregnant and considering your options, it’s important to have an accurate understanding of all the pathways available to you (abortion, adoption, and parenting), so you can make an informed decision. Take a little time to learn what adoption is and what it isn’t. That way, if you rule it out, you can do so with greater knowledge and objectivity. This blog will help you get started!
Adoption Truths
As you’re processing your pregnancy decision, consider some of these common truths about adoption:
- Adoption is a very difficult decision for most. Every person’s experience is unique, but most people who choose this path wrestle with feelings of loss and grief. All pregnancy options have some potential for this.
- Adoption requires courage and sacrifice. Every stage of this journey comes with personal sacrifices. These sacrifices may look different for each individual, but the process generally requires a lot of time, emotional pain, physical exertion, and social stress.
- Adoption can impact your future. Abortion, adoption, and parenting all come with unique implications for the future. A birth mother may have concerns about adoption, such as worrying that she might later regret not choosing to parent instead, or the fear of the uncertainties her child may face in the future.
Adoption Myths
To make an objective pregnancy choice, it’s vital to know which widespread beliefs about adoption are actually misconceptions. Here are a few of the most common adoption myths, debunked:
- “The adoption system would rob me of my autonomy.” With modern adoption planning, a lot of decision-making power rests in the hands of the birth parent. For example, the woman has the ability to select the adoptive parents and choose exactly what kind of adoption plan she wants. More on that in a moment!
- “The adoption process is rigid.” There are 3 main types of adoption plans available: open, semi-open, and closed adoption. Each of these can be further customized to meet the needs and desires of the birth parent. Here are some brief and general descriptions of all 3 adoption plans…
- Open adoption: The birth parent has the ability to communicate with the adoptive parent(s) and meet with them (if she wishes to) before the birth. Later on, she can continue to be in the child’s life if all parties give their consent.
- Semi-open adoption: Communication (including visits) can take place between the birth parent(s) and adoptive family. With a semi-open adoption, all interactions go through a third-party adoption professional.
- Closed adoption: The birth parent can still choose the adoptive parent(s) if she wishes to, but her identity remains anonymous. No communication takes place with the adoptive family.
- “Creating an adoption plan would mean abandoning my child.” Making an adoption plan is the opposite of abandoning a child. Adoption means bravely choosing an alternative environment for a child, because you believe this gives both of you the best opportunities to thrive. There’s no shortage of people in the world who feel ready to become parents and want to provide a loving home.
Creating an adoption plan is an emotionally challenging process. Nevertheless, for some women, it’s the best decision- the choice they can look back on with peace of mind and maybe even pride. As your decision-making process continues, avoid making assumptions about your pregnancy options. Keep an open mind and learn the facts about the various avenues available to you. No pregnancy option can “erase” this difficult experience. But a positive outcome is possible for any person facing an unexpected pregnancy… no matter her circumstances. Avenue Women’s Center is here to help you reach that conclusion to your own pregnancy story.
Contact us to speak with an expert staff member and schedule an appointment! Avenue’s services include, but are not limited to, free medical-grade pregnancy tests, options consultations, and limited medical ultrasounds.
*Avenue Women’s Center is not an adoption agency, and we do not facilitate adoptions. Our role is to provide first-step pregnancy services at no cost, and educate women on all the options available to them, so they can make the best decisions for themselves.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.