If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you have a few options when it comes to pregnancy outcomes and what you’d like to do with your pregnancy. Adoption is one of those options.
Many women choose this option who don’t feel ready to be parents but also are uncomfortable with abortion. If you are considering adoption, here’s what you need to know!
Three Types of Adoption
There are three main types of adoption. Each one has different pros and cons and will impact your future differently.
Open
In an open adoption, you maintain an ongoing relationship with your child. The details of this will be worked out between you, the adoptive couple, and the agency you decide to work with.
Open adoptions are growing in popularity because they allow birth mothers to bond with their children and still be part of their life. Birth moms, adoptive couples, and children all report having great experiences with open adoptions. It can be a very healthy choice for women who want a relationship but aren’t ready to parent.
Closed
A closed adoption, as the name implies, is very different. Most women who choose this option do so because they don’t desire an ongoing relationship with the child. This can be for a variety of reasons, but each is valid and this option is often chosen if the woman feels a relationship would be too painful or if she wants to move on from this chapter of her life.
In a closed adoption, the birth records remain closed and there is no possibility of future contact unless both parties desire it down the road. The details are negotiated through the agency you choose to use.
Semi-Open
A semi-open adoption is somewhere between the first two options. It allows for some communication and connection, but not as much as in an open arrangement and not as restricted as a closed arrangement. Like the other two arrangements, all details will be settled and agreed upon by birth mother and adoptive couple with the help of an agency.
Next Steps for adoption
If you’re considering an adoption for your unplanned pregnancy, we can help make the necessary referrals for agencies and other resources. There are a lot of details to navigate and figure out, and we’re here to offer support and connection.
Contact us today if you’d like to learn more and further explore this option.