When you think about adoption, what comes to mind?
If you imagine a baby being placed anonymously on a doorstep, this is understandable. Many old movies depict adoption like this, but modern adoption couldn’t be further from this image!
Today, adoption is a pregnancy choice that’s full of options to ensure your goals and desires are fulfilled. While adoption is an emotionally complex process, learning all you can about the process can help you determine if adoption is right for you.
Understanding the Adoption Process
The adoption process begins with the decision to place the baby for adoption, which is deeply personal and often involves significant reflection. Once this decision is made, the birth mother typically works with an adoption agency or attorney to navigate the process.
Initially, the birth mother will receive counseling and support to ensure she understands her options and the emotional impact of adoption. She will then create an adoption plan, which outlines her preferences for the adoption, including the type of adoption and the level of contact she wishes to have with the adoptive family and the child.
Types of Adoption Plans
There are three primary types of adoption plans: open, semi-open, and closed. Each type offers different levels of contact and information sharing between the birth mother and the adoptive family.
Open Adoption: In an open adoption, there is direct communication between the birth mother and the adoptive family. This communication can include phone calls, emails, and in-person visits.
Open adoptions allow the birth mother to have a relationship with her child and the adoptive family, providing her with reassurance about her child’s well-being. This type of adoption can foster a sense of extended family and offer ongoing emotional support.
Semi-Open Adoption: Semi-open adoption involves indirect communication, usually facilitated by the adoption agency.
The birth mother and adoptive family may exchange letters, photos, and updates through the agency, maintaining some level of privacy while still sharing important milestones and information. This type of adoption offers a balance between connection and privacy.
Closed Adoption: In a closed adoption, there is no contact between the birth mother and the adoptive family after the adoption is finalized. All identifying information is kept confidential.
This option might be chosen by birth mothers who prefer privacy or who feel it would be emotionally easier not to maintain contact.
You’re Not Alone in This
Working through your pregnancy options can be difficult, but at First Choice Women’s Center, we’re here to help.
While your pregnancy decision is yours alone to make, we’re here to provide support, information, and resources along the way.
We offer education regarding Georgia abortion law using information provided by the Georgia Department of Public Health Women’s Right to Know booklet.
Contact us today for a free, confidential appointment. You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you.