Adoption
One of the more difficult situations a woman can face is an unplanned pregnancy, especially if she is young and single. The responsibilities of being a single mom may seem overwhelming. While abortion may seem an "easy way out", most women feel uncomfortable with this choice. A woman who is not comfortable with abortion or is not ready to parent may consider adoption. Each year over 50,000 women in America make this choice.Making an adoption plan (planning for your baby's future) is a decision that takes courage and maturity, and it involves putting the needs and best interests of the child first. Many types of adoption plans are available:
Confidential Adoption: Provides total confidentiality for adoptive parents and birth parents.
Semi-open Adoption: Gives both families an opportunity to develop a relationship over time through an intermediary. It permits sharing some information.
Open Adoption: Gives everyone involved the opportunity to communicate directly with each other. There is open sharing of identifying information about birth parents and adoptive families. There is continued contact after placement of the baby. Pictures, letters, visits may be arrives.
Many people have misconceptions about adoption. WRC will help you sort through these misunderstandings. Whether or not you choose adoption, WRC is here to encourage and support you.
Children who are adopted, generally: strong>
- Have strong feelings of security within their family.
- Do well in school and attain a higher level of education.
- Have a superior sense of self-esteem, optimism, and social competency.
- Experience lower rates of crime from drug abuse.
- Have better health (higher birth rate; less childhood diseases).
- Experience less child abuse and sexual abuse.
- Are less likely to use drugs and alcohol.
- Are less likely to experience a teen pregnancy.
Misconceptions about Adoption
Many people have misunderstandings about adoption. Adoption has changed. Now you can decide your baby's future. You can select the parents. You are always in control of your decision. WRC will you sort through these and give you the information you need to make the right decision for you and your baby.
Myth:
Birth parents who care about their child would never consider adoption. Fact: Birth parents who make an adoption plan are really loving, caring people.Myth:
Abortion would be easier; I could get on with my life. Fact: Making an adoption plan or parenting will be challenging, but many women have succeeded, and you can too! In the long-run abortion is not easier; it may have life-long consequences (physical, emotional, and spiritual).Myth:
A birth parent will never know anything about her/his child in the coming years. Fact: Birth parents can help develop an adoption plan that provides for future contact and sharing information (picture, letters, visits).Myth:
Adoption is an irresponsible solution to an unplanned pregnancy and people will think poorly about me. Fact: Just because you got pregnant does not mean you are ready or able to be a good parent. It is courageous and loving to place the needs of your child ahead of your own. Those who care about you will understand. Most importantly, you will know that you made a loving decision for you and your child.Myth:
A birth parent will eventually forget about the child relinquished for adoption. Fact: If you make an adoption plan for your child, you will never forget (or want to forget) your child.Myth:
All adopted children will grow up to have serious psychological problems. Fact: When children are placed with adoptive families who are knowledgeable and sensitive, the risk of psychological problems is no greater for adopted children than for biological children.Myth
: A child does not need a father. Fact: Two-parent families where fathers take their responsibilities seriously and parents support each other are important for a healthy childhood.Myth:
No one can love a child as much as the birth mother. Fact: Adoptive parents can love their children as fully and selflessly as biological parents - as much as if they had given birth to them.Myth:
It's better for the birthmother to marry her boyfriend and raise the baby. Fact: Wanting to provide a secure family for your child shows your love and maturity. Getting married just because you are pregnant is often a poor foundation for building a family. Marriage failures are high for those who marry under such pressures.Myth:
A birthmother will never know if her child is neglected or abused. Fact: Adoptive families must meet standards that you will agree to. In an open adoption, you will see for yourself how well your child is cared for and how much your child is loved.