Adoption may be a reality that you are familiar with, but for many people, it isn’t something that is talked about often. Therefore, it’s completely natural to have a lot of questions; some of them may even seem a little scary. The unknown can be much scarier than the truth. We want to walk with you through your questions, no matter what you are considering. Here are five common questions that we can answer for you now:
If I meet with a pregnancy counselor, does that mean I have to choose adoption?
Whether you are considering parenting, abortion, adoption, or all of these options, we want to walk with you through this time, without pressure or judgment. You will find sympathy and honesty as we journey together through all the options you are considering.
You will have a one-on-one relationship with a pregnancy counselor whose passion is to serve you. Your counselor will get to know you and learn about your circumstances, needs, goals, and values. Our desire is to care for you as a whole, valuable woman.
Whatever choice you make, we are committed to you with loving support. Our services to you are free, and support is available 24/7.
Why should I consider adoption for my baby and me?
If you are sensing that you might not be ready to parent in a way that provides the best care for your child, evaluating your other options is wise, and making a plan is loving and good.
You may be concerned about aspects of life such as your emotional readiness to parent, stability in relationships, relationship with your baby’s father, availability of a support system, financial or physical circumstances, or unfulfilled goals such as education and employment. In these cases, adoption could be a great option for both you and your child. It is an option that allows you to give your child the greatest gift—the gift of life—and to plan and choose for your child’s best interest and for your own.
Will I have the ability to choose the family for my baby?
Yes. Each woman has the opportunity to express her desires for potential adoptive parents for her child and then view profiles for screened, qualified, and approved families. These profiles will allow you to learn who they are, things they like, how they will parent, how they want to have a relationship with you, and much more.
After viewing these profiles, you have the opportunity to choose and meet the potential adoptive parents of your child. You can also help determine the amount of contact you have with your child.
At a minimum, you will receive regular letters, pictures, and updates of your child. You also have the availability of choosing a more open option, in which you can have visits with your child and the adoptive family.
How will my child know about me?
The answer to this question will vary depending on the openness that you choose for the adoption. Regardless of your choice, you will provide comprehensive medical and social history for your child’s benefit.
Our adoptive parents have undergone extensive training, including hearing from women who have made an adoption plan; they hope to always honor and respect you in their home, sharing with your child the sacrifice and love you made to give him or her the best life possible.
As you build your relationship with the adoptive family, you have the ability to share about yourself, your interests, hobbies, characteristics, and more than you would want your child to know.
Will my child be able to find me one day?
Each state has different laws that determine how a child may obtain information from his or her adoption file. The decision is ultimately determined by you, the birth parent.