Whether you’re the birth mother searching for an adoption plan or the potential adoptive parents looking to create a family, one question will inevitably make its way into your thoughts: should I consider an open adoption? Adoption Choices of Arizona realizes how stressful this time can be for you, and we are here to help! Here are some tips for both birth mothers and potential adopters on why you should or shouldn’t consider open adoption.
- First, what exactly is open adoption?
Open adoption is when there is allowed contact between the birth parents and adoptee, and a relationship is established between the birth parents and adoptive parents. Each party can meet before and after the child is born, exchange contact information, among other things, and boundaries can be set. With open adoptions, adoptive parents can also gain access to the adoptee’s medical records or any other background information if they so please. This way, fewer problems arise as the adoptee grows older. There is also semi-open adoption, where a limited amount of contact is permitted.
- Benefits of open adoption
As outlined in the previous tip, the most obvious benefit of open adoption is the communication and ability to form a relaxed relationship. Within these relationships, birth parents can rest assured they chose the best adoptive parents for their child, and adoptive parents can gain more information they may need. The birth parents can stay in contact with their child and possibly visit them unless the adoptive parents are uncomfortable with that.
- Possible downsides of open adoption
Of course, every choice has its cons. There’s no telling exactly what could happen because no two adoption experiences are the same, but you should keep the adoptee in mind when deciding. They may grapple with the reality of having to interact with two different families, or they may handle it extremely well. Communication among the two families could become a problem as the inevitable distracting moments of life come up. It’s all about how you think your child will manage it.
- So what should I do?
There’s always one notion you can come back to in the midst of everything in the adoption process: following your heart. It doesn’t matter if you’re the birth parents or the adoptive parents: if open adoption just doesn’t feel right, you don’t have to choose it. Any choice you make is valid, and you’re bound to choose the best one for you and your child.
For more information on open adoption or other valuable adoption resources, visit adoptionchoices.org or text us at 1-480-900-5520.
