North Jefferson Womens Center

If you are considering adoption, we have information available for you and

someone you can talk to. Many women think they could never place their children

in someone else’s family, but this is actually a very loving and selfless option

and thousands of women every year choose adoption for their child. Today,

adoptions are very different than they were in the past. You have the ability to

choose the family for your child and even remain in contact if you’d like.

This might be a great choice for you if you:

•Are not ready to be a parent

•Do not feel this child will be accepted in your family

•Do not want an abortion, but cannot parent this child

•Want your child to have a mother AND a father

•Realize you cannot provide emotional and financial stability

•Want to remain in contact with your child, even if you cannot parent

#1 Factor determining a child's emotional well-being is a permanent, stable and secure home.

Some Things to Consider:

About Adoption:

There are a lot of wrong ideas about adoption, and while it may not be the best choice for everyone, we encourage you to really look at all the information available and make an informed choice that is best for you and your child.

-Myth # 1: I couldn't give my baby away. (My child will hate me.)

Creating an adoption plan is a great act of love towards your child, and the adoptive parents will express that love to your child. You may also decide to write a letter to your child explaining your reasons for choosing adoption.

It also shows responsibility and maturity. You are creating a lifelong plan for your child.

-Myth #2: Adoption means I will never see my child again.

There are three types of adoption: Traditional (Closed), Semi-Open and Fully Disclosed (Open).

Many adoptive parents are choosing open adoption plans where the birthparents can have ongoing communication about the child.

-Myth #3: If I gave my baby away it would hurt too much and I would always regret it.

There are consequences to all parenting choices, and adoption is a sacrifice, but you can feel good about choosing adoption if you decide that this this will be the best option for you and your child.

Know that there are people, including those of us at the NJWC, who will stand by you to offer you love and support during this journey.

Remember, just because something hurts doesn't mean it may not be the right thing to do.

-Myth #4: Adoptive Parents Cannot Care for My Child as Well as I Can. (What if my baby ends up in a bad home?)

As the birthmother, you can be actively involved in choosing the adoptive parents.

Know that there are more than 2 million couples actively seeking to adopt a child and that adoptive parents undergo stringent home studies.

Also know that adopted children generally:

" Do better in school

" Less likely to be depressed than children of single parents

" Less likely to be involved in alcohol abuse and crime

" Have higher self-esteem

" Are better off economically

" Enjoy superior quality of home environment

Unmarried mothers who place:

" Report a high level of satisfaction with their decision

" Are more likely to finish high school and obtain higher education

" Attain better employment and have more financial stability

" Are less likely to repeat another out-of-wedlock pregnancy

" Are more likely to marry

Some Things to Consider

About Teen Parenting:

40% of teen moms graduate high school
Nearly 80% of teen moms go on welfare
Over 50% of children raised by a teen are referred to social service agencies
Less than 8% of teen dads marry the child's mother

Children of Teen Moms are More likely to Experience

Growing up without a father

* Children from fatherless homes are twice as likely to drop out of school

* Account for 70% of teens in DHR custody and 63% of youth suicides

School failure
Insufficient health care
Low birth weight and prematurity
Abuse and neglect
Poverty
Incarceration - Boys
Teen Motherhood - Girls

Please, take the time to consider your options, and remember that whatever you decide - We are here for you!

You choose how you want your child’s family to be built. Adoption is an amazing opportunity to help a couple who are ready and anxious to be parents become a family.

Here are some links to local organizations* with caring people who can help you with creating an adoption plan for you and your child. Also included is a link to a site created to support birthmothers who are planning to create adoption plans.

*The North Jefferson Women's Center does not specifially endorse these agencies or their services.