There’s so much adoption information on the internet. From choosing whether or not adoption is right for you to the nuances of how the process works and everything else, it’s almost adoption information overload. Where can you even begin?

We’ve created this guide of 10 things you need to know about adoption to simplify your search for adoption information. Instead of learning about 100 different things, these 10 things are the most important for any prospective birth parent considering adoption.

1. Anyone can choose adoption.

This is one of the most important things to know about adoption. When you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, you can choose adoption. It doesn’t matter who you are — young, old, married, single, wealthy, poor — anyone can choose adoption.

You may have a stereotype in your head of the type of women who choose adoption, but this stereotype simply isn’t true. Anyone from any walk of life can choose adoption. When it comes to finding information about adoption, we think this is the most important place to start. If you’re experiencing an unwanted pregnancy, you need to know this fact about adoption.

2. Adoption is not “giving up.”

One thing you’ve probably heard about adoption is that it’s “giving up” a baby. This phrase is so common — you’ve probably used it yourself. But, it’s not accurate adoption information.

Adoption is not giving up. While “giving up” implies weakness and failure, adoption is the opposite. It is strong and courageous. Adoption is a loving choice. It is something that prospective birth parents do to give their children a loving family and a life of opportunity. That’s not “giving up” at all.

3. You’re in charge of the adoption plan.

You’re in control of the adoption plan, which is an important piece of information on adoption for anyone considering this option. When you choose adoption, you work with an agency (more adoption information on this below) to create a plan. This plan puts the prospective birth parent in charge. It involves things like choosing the adoptive family and the level of openness you’ll have with the family after placement.

4. Adoption agencies provide the services prospective birth parents need.

Agencies not only provide adoption information services, they also provide social services that are required in order to complete the adoption process. When you are considering adoption, agencies can be a great source of free adoption information. Once you’re ready to start the process, an agency will provide services like:

• Case Management
• 24/7 Support
• Contact Mediation
• Help Finding an Adoptive Family
• Emotional Counseling
• And More

Choosing the right agency is one of the most important things about adoption.

5. Adoption is always free to prospective birth parents.

Reading that list of services, you may have thought, “That sounds like it’ll be expensive.” Not so fast. When you’re a prospective birth parent, adoption is always free to you.

From adoption information services to the social services listed above, you won’t pay for the services from your adoption agency.

6. Most prospective birth parents receive adoption financial assistance.

One of the most important things to know about adoption is that it can make the cost of pregnancy easier to handle. Financial pressure is a common reason to consider adoption. That’s why the process has been designed to take all that pressure off your shoulders.

Adoption financial assistance can cover the cost of pregnancy-related expenses during the process. Information on adoption financial assistance can be found at the state level, so the amount of assistance you are eligible for depends on where you live and what your needs are.

The big expenses — like agencies’ fees, legal costs and medical bills — are always taken care for prospective birth parents. In many cases, things like housing, transportation and food can also be covered.

7. Most adoptions today are at least semi-open.

Most people don’t realize that adoption is not the end of the connection with your child. Open adoption is increasingly common, and it’s important to have this adoption information if you are considering adoption for your baby.

Open adoption can work however you’d like. This is a part of what you choose in the adoption plan. Working with an agency, you can decide on a level of openness, ranging from in-person meetings to occasional letter updates. This relationship can provide a meaningful connection and be a way to witness your child experience the benefits of adoption.

8. The journey is rarely easy.

One thing about adoption: it’s hard. There are challenging emotions, and that’s important adoption information for birth mothers to have. This process takes fortitude and maturity, because it won’t always be easy.

But…

9. The journey is worth it.

If adoption is the best path for your life, then it will always be worth it. This doesn’t take away the hard emotions. But, as you see your child grow and thrive in the love of an adoptive family, you’ll know that this was the best choice. Many prospective birth mothers come to feel that choosing adoption was an empowering life choice, and it becomes something they are proud of.

10. There’s always more to learn about adoption.

It’s okay to stop and think about the adoption information we’ve covered here. It’s not your job to be an expert. But, you can always keep an open mind. There’s a lot of things to know about adoption, and there are plenty of adoption information services out there.

If you’re looking for more free adoption information, consider some of these resources:

• Adoption For My Baby
• American Adoptions
• Considering Adoption
• Unplanned Pregnancy

One of the best ways to learn more about adoption in your specific situation is to speak with an agency. Agencies are staffed by specialists who can answer your questions. If you’d like to speak with an agency, we’d be happy to make that connection. Contact us today to be connected with a helpful adoption agency.