Adoption

Many people have a misleading idea of adoption. They have heard harsh stories about how newborn babies are ripped from their mother's arms and placed with strangers. Some think, "How could you go through your life never knowing what happened to your child?" Adoption is very different today from even twenty years ago. You have the right to select your baby's parents, meet them and even keep in touch over the years. These changes have made the adoption option much easier to consider. There are many reasons to consider adoption. Maybe you know in your heart that you can't take care of your baby. There's not enough time, money, or help. Maybe you already have children and one more baby would be too much stress on you! Perhaps you are just afraid and want to know more about this choice. The good news about your situation is that there are many loving couples that would love to have a baby of their own, but can't due to infertility. They are waiting for a person like you - a person that wants to give a baby life, and share that baby with them. They want to love you and your baby and provide a strong and stable environment where you child can flourish.  You are doing the right thing by researching all of your options. Adoption is a choice that you need to think about carefully, but if you can't parent, no matter what the reason, adoption may be the right choice for you! Our center would be glad to provide you with a referral to several adoption agencies in your area.  There is no cost to you for adoption. This center can provide you with a referral to several agencies that will help you free of charge. Many agencies will work with the adoptive parents to pay for all your pregnancy-related expenses as well.  You may have as much contact with your baby at the hospital as you desire. When planning your child's adoption, you can choose an open adoption plan that allows ongoing visits with your child, or you can choose semi-open adoption that keeps you informed about your child's progress through letters and pictures. If you prefer not to have any contact with your child or the adoptive family, confidential plans are also possible.

Open Adoption
	You get to choose the baby's adoptive family. You know their names, religion etc. In an open adoption both families (birth and adoptive) share information openly and stay in touch with each other through phone calls, pictures and even meetings.

Semi-Open Adoption
	In a semi-open adoption you still get to choose the adoptive family through information that is non-identifying (no names or addresses). You do not have direct contact with the baby and his or her adoptive family, but may receive letters and pictures through the agency

Closed Adoption
	You select the adoptive family through a non-identifying Family profile. No communication or contact between the parties is expected. The adoptive family also only receives a medical and social history on each birth parent and their family

The timing of your child's placement depends on three factors: What you prefer to be the time of placement, legal aspects of adoption, which may vary from state to state, and the cooperation of the birthfather.   Many women want their baby placed with the adoptive family directly from the hospital, but you may prefer to place your baby in temporary care while you consider adoption. How much your child knows about you depends on what type of adoption you choose - open, semi-open, or confidential. Also, your agency will encourage you to provide your complete medical and social history to your child, no matter what type of adoption you choose (in some states this is required).  Both you and the birthfather have rights. If you disagree about adoption or you no longer have a relationship with him, your agency will work with the birthfather and/or the courts to determine if his rights can be terminated.  Laws in your state determine when your child may have access to information in the adoption file.