When you first see those two pink lines, you might be thinking, “I have no idea where to go from here.” If this is the case, know that you are not alone. Many women who find themselves experiencing an unplanned pregnancy feel like they don’t know where to begin in processing this news, much less which option to pursue. Here at A Women’s Pregnancy Center, we can help walk you through this season of uncertainty. Our fantastic Options Counselors are trained to accurately and thoroughly inform each woman who walks through our door of the pregnancy routes she would be able to take, one of those being adoption.
So often, we hear the words “I could never give my kid away.” But what if that’s not what adoption is like at all? What if for so long, as a culture, we have painted an unrealistic perception of what this pregnancy option looks like, and have caused people to believe that adoption is something it isn’t? In this blog post, we’ll be debunking some of the most common myths about adoption, while also talking about the benefits of this option for women who feel like they are at a standstill after seeing a positive pregnancy test.
Myth #1: I will never see my baby again.
This is a common myth that often leads women to not choose adoption. However, this is entirely built on the cultural perception of adoption, which is not always correct. There are three different types of adoption: open, semi-open, and closed. In an open adoption, birth moms are able to visit their children, call them, write letters, and play an active role in their lives. Just because you will not be the one taking the driver’s seat in raising your baby, doesn’t mean that they will not know and love you. Adoption agencies can help you find the right family that will allow you to maintain an active role in your child’s life if that is what you choose. There are also options for more privacy and confidentiality in your adoption journey if pursuing an open adoption does not sound like the right option for you. But, if the biggest downside of adoption is the thought of never seeing your child again, know that this does not have to be a concern.
Myth #2: That will be expensive.
Oftentimes, women do not realize that as a birth mom, adoption is completely free! You will not have to pay a penny for prenatal care throughout your adoption journey, and by partnering with an adoption agency, you can rest assured that you will be able to receive quality medical and emotional care during this season of life. When it comes to finances, adoption is the lowest-cost option available if you feel you are not ready to raise a child.
Myth #3: My baby could end up with a family I don’t approve of.
Many women often feel deterred from adoption for fear that their baby will be placed with a family that they do not approve of. However, adoption agencies can give YOU the opportunity to choose the family that will raise your child! You can look through profiles of adoption applicants to make sure your baby is in the exact environment you desire for them. Though this is not an emotionally easy process, you can rest in the comfort of knowing that you have hand-selected the people that are going to place your child as their priority. Whether you realize it or not, this is one of the most meaningful and valuable decisions a birth mom makes. It can truly make a beautiful impact on the life of your child.
Myth #4: I won’t have anyone to support me.
If you feel that your partner, family, and/or friends will not be supportive of adoption, but you feel that it is the best option for you and your baby, you might start to feel overwhelmed. “Don’t I need a support system?” At A Women’s Pregnancy Center, we do more than just pregnancy tests and ultrasounds. We are here to provide you with the support you need throughout your pregnancy, and to truly care for you during this process and beyond! Even after an initial pregnancy test and ultrasound, clients are always welcome to come and speak to someone anytime they feel necessary. Your mental and emotional health and well-being are a priority to us, and we always want women to remember that they are never alone, and they have a support system here at AWPC.
Myth #5: I won’t be able to change my mind.
“What if I give birth, I see my baby, and I just can’t go through with placing them for adoption?” Until your child is placed in their adoptive family’s arms, you have the right to pursue parenting. As the birth mom, you have rights that must be honored, and choosing to parent prior to placing your baby in their adoptive family’s arms is a right of yours that is protected.
Curious about whether or not you’ve believed any other adoption myths? Do you have other questions about what you learned? Do you think adoption might even be right for you? Call our Center at (850)297-1174. We are always here to help!