Adoption
Adoption can be an excellent solution to an unplanned pregnancy. It is an alternative to raising a child a woman feels unprepared to raise or to ending the life of that child before birth. According to the National Committee for Adoption, there are 1.5 million American couples wanting to adopt children. Only 50,000 new children are made available for adoption each year. For every couple that adopts, another 40 wait in line. A Woman’s Friend refers to local adoption agencies that receive letters on a weekly basis for couples longing to adopt a baby. There are even groups of prospective adoptive parents who specifically want to adopt disabled or special needs children.
Adoption is conducted very differently now than in years past. Today the birth mother is respected and empowered. She chooses the parents she wants for her child from resumes and interviews. The birth families and adoptive families get to know each other and often become friends during the pregnancy. Any degree of openness after the baby is born that is mutually agreed upon can be arranged. A Woman’s Friend is not a licensed adoption agency and adoption is not for everyone. We refer to excellent organizations for help with adoption planning.
Adoption vs. Abortion
Some women have said to us at A Woman’s Friend, “I could never give my baby up for adoption. I’d abort before I would do that.” We urge them to consider that adoption can be a wonderful option allowing them to still accomplish their goals. Let’s look at the benefits of adoption.
- Pursue your life goals and plans
- Parent when you are ready
- Be free of the financial responsibility
- If you are a teen, resume your youthful lifestyle