Thinking About Adoption?
Adoption comes with more choices than you may realize. It involves choices about the family, your hospital experience, future contact, and what you want for your child.
Learn how the process works, what decisions you can make, and what different levels of contact could look like.
What Does Adoption Look Like Today?
Modern adoption often allows an expectant mother to participate in shaping the plan. Depending on the type of adoption you choose, you may be able to:
- Review and select an adoptive family
- Meet the family before placement
- Decide how you want your hospital experience to look
- Choose how much contact you would like after placement
- Receive updates, photos, calls, or visits as your child grows
An adoption professional can explain the process, your legal rights, and the choices available to you.
Different Levels of Contact
Every adoption relationship looks different. Understanding the general options can help you identify what feels right for your situation.
Open adoption may include ongoing communication or in-person visits with the child and adoptive family.
Semi-open adoption usually involves limited or mediated contact, such as letters and photos shared through an agency.
Closed adoption generally does not include direct contact between the birth family and adoptive family after placement.
The amount and form of contact can vary. An adoption professional can help you understand how an agreement would work before you make any decisions.
Questions Worth Asking
Before making an adoption plan, you deserve accurate information. You may want to ask:
- How is an adoptive family screened?
- What role can I have in choosing the family?
- Can the baby’s father participate in the process?
- What support is available during pregnancy?
- What happens at the hospital?
- What could contact look like after placement?
- What emotional support is available afterward?
Start With a Conversation at Bloom by PRC Richmond
Bloom can provide information about adoption alongside abortion and parenting, so you can consider each option in light of your circumstances. We can also help you identify questions to ask an adoption professional.
Your appointment is confidential and available at no cost. You can learn about adoption without beginning an adoption plan or making a commitment.
