Discovering you are unexpectedly pregnant is a shock. You stare at the pregnancy test in disbelief. Now comes the big decision. What are you going to do? You have three options: have an abortion, parent your child, or make an adoption plan. It is essential to carefully examine each option because all three are life-changing choices. Let’s look closer at choosing to place your child for adoption.

What Does it Mean to Make an Adoption Plan?

Just because your pregnancy was unplanned doesn’t mean you can’t have a plan. As a birth mother, you plan the future you want for your child. You choose the adoption plan that is most comfortable for you.

Open Adoption Plan

Most adoptions today are open. An open adoption allows you to select the adoptive parents who will raise your child. Yes! You view the profiles of potential adoptive parents and choose the perfect couple.

If you’d like, you can meet with them before your child’s birth and begin building a relationship immediately. You exchange identifying information and decide the amount of contact you wish to have going forward.

Semi-Open Adoption Plan

This plan offers a little more privacy. If you’re uncomfortable exchanging identifying information but want to communicate with the adoptive family, choose this plan. You still select the adoptive couple, but no identifying information is shared. 

All correspondence and meetings occur through a third party, such as the adoption agency you work with. You always have the option of moving to an open plan in the future.

Closed Adoption Plan

Although rare today, some birth mothers feel it best to remain anonymous. If you choose a closed adoption, the adoption agency selects your adoptive family based on your preferences.

You do not know who adopts your child, and they have no information about you. Studies have shown this plan hinders the emotional health of both the child and the birth mother.

Is Abortion Easier Than Making an Adoption Plan?

Many women think abortion ends the “problem” quickly and easily. However, in addition to the potential for physical complications, abortion has also been linked to mental health issues. Neither of these are easy choices, but with adoption, you can build a relationship with your child as they grow. 

Many women say they feel relief immediately following their abortions, but weeks, months, or years later, they struggle with grief and anxiety over their decision. Women who struggle with their mental health before the abortion are more susceptible afterward.

Choosing to place your child for adoption is not easy. You need adoption counseling to make a confident choice. You should never feel coerced into choosing adoption. Only you know what’s best for your future.

How Much Does It Cost Me to Make an Adoption Plan?

The services of A Gift of Hope Adoptions are free for birth parents. In addition, depending on your situation, we can assist you with medical and legal expenses, rent, utilities, food, maternity clothing, etc.

We encourage you to explore the option of adoption. You are not committing to make an adoption plan by contacting us. This is a big decision, and we want you to take all the time you need to think it through.

Contact us to discuss your situation and determine if making an adoption plan is right for you and your future. Call us on our Helpline at 1-888-564-HOPE (4673) or fill out our online contact form, and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.

This blog is for informational purposes only. This is not legal or medical advice. While we try our best to reflect current laws with accuracy at the time of writing, please note the laws can change over time.