Is Adoption Right For Me?

Adoption is a viable option if you are faced with an unplanned pregnancy. If you are considering adoption, the staff at ELM are here to support you. We offer resources and support for women and men wanting to go through the adoption process and can answer any questions or address any concerns you have about adoption.

Choosing adoption can seem overwhelming and even scary at times, but with the proper support and adequate knowledge, you can make a confident decision. If you are considering adoption, you may be doing so for the following reasons.

• You don’t want to have a baby, but you don’t want to have an abortion
• You want your child to grow up in a better situation than you did
• The father isn’t in the picture and you feel that you aren’t capable of raising a child on your own
• You are struggling financially and can’t support a child
• You want your child to go to a loving family who can fully take care of him or her
• You want to pursue your education or career without caring for a child
• You don’t have a stable living situation
• You don’t have the proper support system to raise a child

For these reasons or any other reasons you have, your feelings are supported and valid. Remember, this is your decision to make. No one should force you or threaten you into any decision regarding the outcome of your pregnancy.

Types of Adoption

Did you know that adoption has changed over the years? Now, there are several different types of adoptions and different ways to go through the process. This allows birth mothers to have more control over the process and takes into account their privacy and unique situation.

When it comes to the types of adoptions, there are two main types: open and closed adoptions.

Open Adoption

In an open adoption, the birth mother will receive information about the adoptive family before choosing them and she gets the opportunity to stay in contact with her child and his or her family after the adoption process is complete.

Closed Adoption

For a closed adoption, your information and the adoptive family’s information is kept private, meaning that they will not know anything about you and you will not know anything about them. This also means that you will not have any contact with your child or even know where he or she is after the adoption process is complete. Some women choose this option to protect their privacy.

When it comes to going through the adoption process, you can either work with an agency that will help you through your adoption journey and work to pair your child with the right family or you can work independently with the assistance of a lawyer. Each option has benefits, but it entirely depends on your preference in regards to which route you choose.

Adoption Resources

If you have questions about adoption, ELM can provide you with resources and connect you with organizations in our community to assist you with the adoption process. We know that adoption isn’t an easy decision, but with the right support, you can make an educated decision about whether adoption is right for your situation. Contact us to learn more about adoption and get your questions answered today.