A scientific survey of expectant moms considering adoption found that they hadn’t considered all the options. In the case of an unplanned pregnancy, there are three possibilities: terminate the pregnancy, bring up the child, or find an adoptive home for the child. Yet only 22% of the women they asked said that they had considered all these options.
For many women, termination is not an option, because of religious or other strong convictions. Yet just over 26% thought about both adoption and parenting.
Research shows that women who have considered all the options are happier about their decisions than those who have not. Modern adoption practices emphasize non-coercive processes in which expectant moms can make their own decisions without pressure from any direction.
Benefits of adoption
Adoption creates something truly special: permanent families built on love, intention, and commitment. When handled with dignity and respect, adoption can be a win-win for the birth mother, the adoptive parents, and the adopted child.
The child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe and stable home with people who chose to parent. A permanent home with unconditional love can provide opportunities to experience healing and secure attachments even if there have been traumatic situations in their young lives.
Since adoptive parents must go through a process to be approved for adoption, the mom can expect that her child will be in a secure home with responsible parents. This reduces the stress of an unplanned pregnancy. She has support, both emotional and physical, during her pregnancy. Some of the help she can expect:
- Professional counseling at no cost
- Legal representation with all expenses covered
- Support groups connecting her with others who share similar experiences
- Living expense assistance during pregnancy
For many women, these kinds of support provide comfort and ease from anxiety and worries that can feel all-consuming.
From a long-term perspective, the birth mom has the chance to continue pursuing her goals instead of putting her education or career on hold. If she chooses an open adoption, she has the opportunity to remain in contact with the child and to know how things work out for her baby.
Adoptive parents not only have the chance to grow their families, but to do so with confidence, knowing that they are fully prepared to be parents. Most adoptive parents find that the adoption journey is a time of personal growth, and many find that open adoption allows them to develop meaningful new relationships with their new child’s birth family.
If you’re ready to consider adoption, Heimer Law is ready to answer the questions you have.
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