How Can Adoption Provide a Positive Alternative for an Unplanned Pregnancy?

It’s hard to imagine anything could be positive about an unplanned pregnancy. You were shocked when you found out, and possibly a little scared to tell anyone. But here you are, and it’s time to make a decision.

If you’re already raising other children or don’t wish to be a parent, take a closer look at placing your child for adoption. Although a difficult choice, adoption has many benefits for everyone involved.

What Is Adoption?

Adoption is the legal process that permanently transfers all rights and responsibilities of parenting from the biological parents to the adoptive parents. It is not co-parenting. 

Today, adoption is very different from a few decades ago. Now, the expectant mother or birth mother (and father, if he’s available) makes all of the decisions. 

There are various forms of adoption to consider:

• Private Agency Adoption. Both the expectant mother and a potential adoptive couple engage an adoption agency to facilitate their adoption. The agency provides all services free of charge for the expectant mother. Most infant adoptions go through a private agency.
• Private Placement Adoption. A private placement adoption often involves an adoption attorney. In this case, the expectant or birth mother and the potential adoptive couple find one another through a friend, family member, physician, or clergy member.
• Kinship Adoption. With a kinship adoption, the adoptive person or couple is either a close family member or friend. Typical adoptive parents might be grandparents, aunts, uncles, or siblings.

The Benefits of Choosing Adoption

No matter what type of adoption you choose, there are benefits for you and your child. By working with an agency, you should receive thorough adoption counseling to determine if adoption is right for you.

Here are some of the benefits of adoption for you and your child:

You

• It costs you nothing to place your child for adoption.
• You can select the adoptive couple who will raise your child, allowing you to direct their future.
• All of your medical and legal expenses are covered.
• If you choose an open or semi-open adoption plan, you can have contact with the adoptive family and your child. Or, if you prefer, you can remain completely anonymous with a closed adoption.
• You can continue pursuing your education or career.
• If you work with a reputable, licensed agency, you receive 24/7 emotional support before, during, and after placement.

Your Child

• Your child lives with a loving two-parent family that you’ve specifically chosen.
• With an open or semi-open adoption, your child connects with their birth family, heritage, and culture, which helps to build their identity.
• An adoptive family provides stability.
• Often, an adoptive family offers greater opportunities for education, travel, hobbies, etc.
• Your child has better access to healthcare.

How Can Soundview Assist Me?

Although we are not a licensed child-placing agency, we can refer you to reputable, licensed adoption professionals. Only you can determine if adoption is the right choice. 

Adoption is a lifetime decision made out of love for your child and a desire for a brighter future for both of you. However, it is not an easy decision. 

No matter your choice, we’re here to listen and help you make the best decision for you and your child. Schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment with a licensed medical professional at Soundview.