Adoption is a pregnancy option that’s full of choices—depending on your goals and what you’re comfortable with. It can also be an emotionally complex decision with many questions and considerations. This is why learning all you can about the process is important to determine if adoption is right for you.

How Does Adoption Work? 

Adoption means carrying your pregnancy to term and choosing an adoptive family to raise your child. Contrary to popular belief, adoption isn’t “giving your child away.” Instead, adoption is a parenting decision that allows you to give your child a future. 

When you choose adoption, you work closely with an adoption agency or attorney to ensure your goals and desires are considered. One of the primary decisions you will make in the adoption process is choosing the type of adoption that is best for you.

The different types of adoption include open, semi-open, and closed. 

Open Adoption

As the name suggests, open adoption is the most open and flexible option. With open adoption, you can select the adoptive family. Do you want your child raised on a farm? In a city? Do you want them to have siblings or be raised with a particular religion? You get to decide.

You also get to choose whether and in what ways you want to communicate openly with the adoptive family and child. For example, you can choose to have phone calls, in-person visits, or email exchanges, which allows you to have an ongoing relationship with them.

Semi-Open Adoption

Semi-open adoption is similar to open adoption, but a third party (usually the adoption agency or attorney) mediates all communication. For example, if you write an email, it will be sent by the agency or attorney. A semi-open adoption allows you to keep your identifying information confidential. 

Closed Adoption

Closed adoption is the most restricted adoption plan. With a closed adoption, you and the adoptive family and your child will have no communication, and you won’t know anything about each other (although the adoption coordinator will share your medical history with the adoptive family). This type of adoption plan is rare today.

We’re Here for You

We understand how difficult it is to navigate your pregnancy options, but you’re not alone in this. We’re here for you.

While we don’t offer adoption services, we can refer you to a reputable adoption agency in our area, and we’re also here to provide a safe space to talk.

Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential appointment.