Your family and friends likely have opinions about your pregnancy and what you should do. However, only you can decide what is best for you and how to move forward.
If you’re considering adoption for your pregnancy, it’s essential to know that choosing adoption doesn’t mean you’re “giving up” your child. In reality, choosing adoption is a powerful, selfless decision that gives your child hope and a future.
This article will explore the basics you need to know about adoption and offer strategies for telling your family that you’re considering this pregnancy option. If you want to talk to someone in person about your pregnancy and learn about supportive resources, contact Alpha Center today to schedule a confidential appointment at no cost to you.
How Does Adoption Work?
Did you know that adoption is a choice that’s full of options? When you choose adoption, you get to pick the adoptive family and the future you want for your child. For example, do you want your child to have siblings or be an only child? Do you want him or her to be raised with certain religious beliefs? You get to decide.
When you choose adoption, you will work with an adoption counselor or attorney to select the adoptive family and create an adoption plan, which is essentially a document that outlines your goals and desires in the adoption process. The agency or attorney will also handle any legal documents.
What Are the Different Types of Adoption Plans?
There are three types of adoption plans you can choose from. Each one can be customized according to what you are comfortable with. The three types are:
- Open adoption: Like the name suggests, this is the most open and flexible adoption plan. With open adoption, you get to decide how much you want to communicate with the adoptive family and child, and in what ways. (For example, you can choose if you want to have in-person visits, talk by phone, etc.)
- Semi-open adoption: This adoption plan is similar to open adoption, but a third party mediates all communication. This means that the adoption agency or attorney will send emails or initiate phone calls, which protects your identifying information.
- Closed adoption: This plan is the most restricted. With closed adoption, you and the adoptive family will remain anonymous, and you will have no contact. Closed adoption is rare today, but this might be the best choice if you are in a dangerous living situation and need to protect your identity, or if you would like to keep all information private.
How Can I Tell My Family What Pregnancy Choice I Want to Make?
Telling your family how you want to move forward in your pregnancy can be difficult, especially if they have other ideas about what you should do or if they carry their own opinions about adoption. Learning as much as you can about your options is a helpful way to prepare for this conversation. That way, when you approach your family, you will be able to share your reasons for wanting to make the choice you’re considering.
Thinking through your options can feel difficult, but talking to someone who understands can help. At Alpha Center, we offer a safe, confidential space to explore your options. We can provide medically accurate information, resources, and referrals and give you the time to ask questions and share your concerns. This can be a healthy way to sort through your thoughts and feelings before you talk with your family.
You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you. Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential appointment.