Religious views on “giving your child up” for adoption are complicated.

• Is it wrong to “give my baby up” for adoption if I’m Christian?
• Is “giving your baby up” for adoption a sin?
• In Islam, can I “give a child up” for adoption?

When you’re considering adoption as a woman of faith, questions like this might be filling your mind, because you want to do what is best for your baby and uphold the values of your faith.

Here’s the most important thing to know: Adoption is a brave and loving decision that any person of genuine faith would support.

Women from all different faiths choose adoption for their babies. In this guide, we’ll go through some of the largest religious traditions and explore what they have to say about adoption.

Religion, Unplanned Pregnancy and Adoption

On the one hand, many faith traditions have a history of encouraging adoption, especially for adoptive families. On the other, religious traditions also have a history of causing women who experience unplanned pregnancies to feel shame and guilt.

Thankfully, things are starting to change.

Religious views on “giving your child up” for adoption are evolving, and a more progressive understanding of birth parents is coming to the forefront. If you are a person of faith and considering placing your baby for adoption, you should feel encouraged and proud of your loving decision.

Still, it’s common for women considering adoption to face some opposition from loved ones who might bring faith into the discussion. We want you to know what your faith says about adoption so that you can respond to any objections.

Your religious views on “giving your child up” for adoption can be a source of encouragement, not guilt.

Christian View of Placing a Baby for Adoption

Compassion and placing the needs of others above your own are core values of the Christian faith. There may be nothing that embodies these more than adoption.

You’ve often heard it said that adoption is “giving up” your baby. This isn’t true.

Adoption is a loving choice. It places the needs of your baby above your own. It does what is challenging because it is necessary. When you choose adoption, you place your baby in the care of a family who will love and cherish them for their whole life.

This is why adoption embodies Christian values, and “giving your child up” for adoption as a Christian can be a good thing to do. In fact, some heroes of the faith either placed a child for adoption or adopted a child.

Moses’ story in the beginning of Exodus is one of the most prominent scriptures about “giving a child up” for adoption. Facing impossible circumstances, Moses’ mother chose to do what was best for him. Because of this, Moses grew up in the royal palace of Egypt and was in a position to lead the Hebrew people to freedom.

Another example: Jesus was adopted. The doctrine of the virgin birth — held across all denominations — means that Joseph was not the biological father of Jesus. Therefore, he had to adopt him as a son.

Moses and Jesus — the leader of the Exodus and the Christ himself — are adopted according to scriptures about “giving a child up” for adoption. The Christian scriptures insist that God can use anyone to accomplish great things, including children who are adopted and mothers who choose adoption for their babies.

Roman Catholic Views on “Giving Children Up” for Adoption

If you are Catholic and want to “give up a baby” for adoption, you can turn to the same scriptures about “giving a child up” for adoption for encouragement. It is clear that the position of the biblical writers supports adoption.

The Roman Catholic views on “giving children up” for adoption can also be found by looking back on Church doctrine and tradition. Catholic engagement with adoption has evolved over the years. There has always been a strong emphasis on protecting the vulnerable, which includes women who are considering adoption and children who need to be adopted.

Core values of Catholic life, such as compassion and self-sacrifice, define adoption. When a woman chooses adoption for her baby, she makes a heroic decision that puts the needs of her baby above her own desires.

Recently, Pope Francis spoke positively of adoption. Other leads in the Church have made the argument that adoption should be considered a holy sacrament.

“Giving Your Child Up” for Adoption in Islam

The response to “giving your child up” for adoption in Islam can vary considerably depending on where you live. Some Islamic nations have cultural standards that make it very hard to choose adoption. However, if you live in the West, you may find more accepting views of a pregnant Muslim woman putting a baby up for adoption.

Caring for the “orphan” is a clear Islamic doctrine. So, it would make sense that the same doctrine supports women who choose adoption for their babies. In many Muslim communities, it is common practice to try to place the child with a family member first. However, you do not have to do this.

If you are considering “giving your child” for adoption in Islam, you can reach out to a private adoption agency to begin your adoption. As you’ll see below, you can search specifically for Muslim families to adopt your baby when you work with the right agency.

Jewish Views on Placing a Baby for Adoption

Can I “give my baby up” for adoption in Judaism?

Yes, you can. The Jewish tradition is full of stories that support adoption, including important scriptures about “giving a child up” for adoption, like the story of Moses and his mother, Miriam.

Some Orthodox communities do not think positively of adoption, especially of placing a baby outside of the community. If you are in a situation like this and believe that adoption is the best option for your baby, then you should reach out to an adoption agency.

For those in more progressive Jewish communities, you are likely to find more support for adoption. In fact, there are some who believe that “giving a baby up” for adoption is a mitzvah.

Buddhist and Hindu Views on Placing Children for Adoption

The two most prominent Eastern spiritualties have distinct Scriptures and practices, but their views on adoption are quite similar.

For a Buddhist placing a baby for adoption, the sacred texts of the tradition have little to say. However, new ideas have brought an encouraging thought to light.

The Buddha actually “gave up” his child in pursuit of enlightenment. When he did this, he ensured that his son would be loved and cared for, while also creating the space to fulfill his purpose in this life.

Similarly, placing your baby for adoption in Buddhism gives your child a loving family and allows you to fulfill your dreams without the responsibility of parenting.

If you are a Hindu woman “giving a baby up” for adoption, we know you are doing what is best for your baby. It may mean a lot to you to find a Hindu family for the adoption. As you’ll see below, this is always possible with the help of the right adoption agency.

What Atheism Thinks of Adoption

Atheistic morals are driven by logic and reason. If it makes the most sense to place your baby for adoption, then adoption is a good thing for you.

Some common benefits of adoption are:

• A loving family for your baby
• The chance to stay connected through open adoption
• Adoption financial assistance
• Connection to counselors, doctors, and other resources
• The ability to continue chasing your dreams

Do these benefits make the most sense for your baby and for yourself? If so, then choosing adoption in response to an unplanned pregnancy could be the best thing for you.

Finding a Family Based on Religion

Any woman, of any faith, can choose to place her baby with an adoptive family of the same religious tradition. There are Christian, Catholic. Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu and atheist adoptive families out there.

How can you find a family that shares your beliefs? By working with a good adoption agency.

Each agency works with adoptive parents to create adoptive family profiles. These profiles include religious beliefs. Larger agencies typically work with more families. Working with a large, national adoption agency gives you the best chance of finding a great family who shares your beliefs.

If you’d like to begin working with a national adoption agency today, contact us today to be connected with a helpful adoption professional.