Adoption is sometimes dismissed as an option but it can be the best choice for both you and your baby. If you're uncomfortable with the idea of abortion and your circumstances make parenting very difficult at this time, adoption can be a very positive option. It's a sacrifice you make for your baby, but one from which you benefit too.
Adoption means that you make a plan with an adoption agency to place your baby with a loving family. This enables you to give your child the kind of life you would want to give him or her if your circumstances were different.
What's good about adoption?
- Studies show that most baby adoptions work out happily.
- Your child would have a Life Story Book that tells them background information about you and possibly their father.
- Through adoption you could choose for your child to be placed with a father and mother if that is important to you.
- You can say what sort of people you would like to have as parents for your child.
- Adoption for some people is the most loving option, it means you care about your child. You are giving them the opportunity to have what you are unable to provide right now.
What is the adoption procedure?
- When you are ready, a social worker will visit you to talk about it. You don't need to decide straight away. You have plenty of time to work out what's best for you and your baby.
- You do not have to release the baby as soon as it is born, you will be encouraged to spend some time together initially.
- The baby would probably go to foster parents for at least 6 weeks. You can visit during this time to be sure that you are making the right decision.
- You can still change your mind after the baby is born and can not sign the final paperwork consenting to adoption until the baby is six weeks old.
- The baby then goes to live with the adoptive family. After three months with them, the adoption order can go through.
- You do not have to go to court - a social worker will visit you and ask you to sign a legal document.
What support is there for adoption?
Local pregnancy crisis centres are there to support you as you consider adoption. They are there for you through the whole process - the decision making, the pregnancy and the adoption itself. This support can continue for as long as you want.
Give yourself some time to really think about whether adoption could be a positive choice for your baby and for you, rather than just dismissing the idea. You want to make a decision that you will be able to live with now and into the future. Perhaps it would help to find out more information to be able to make an informed choice.
A good first step would be to talk to someone about it. Ring CareConfidential on 0800 028 2228 to talk to an advisor online.