Debunking common adoption myths
Legacy Adoption Services® Florida adoption counselors often speak with pregnant mothers who are worried about things that turn out to be common adoption myths. Many of these misunderstandings come from simply not being familiar with the modern adoption process. Some are also tied to beliefs about adoption practices that are no longer in common use today. By learning the truth about adoption, you can put your worries to rest and make better-informed decisions about your next steps.
What are some common adoption myths?
When pregnant mothers come to us for help, they are often surprised to learn the truth about some common adoption myths. Learning the truth about adoption empowers you to better take control of your future, and of the future that you want for your child.
- Myth: I’ll never know who adopted my baby.
Reality: With modern adoption, mothers choose their baby’s adoptive parents, and can meet with them in person to get to know them before making a final decision. - Myth: I’ll never be able to learn what happened to my baby.
Reality: Today’s adoption practices give mothers control over whether they wish to have ongoing contact with the adoptive family and the child, and what form that contact should take. Many mothers go on to have wonderful relationships with the adoptive family, loving the child together through their growing-up years. - Myth: Placing a baby for adoption costs money.
Reality: All agency services involved in placing a baby for adoption are completely free to mothers. This includes counseling, legal support, adoption planning, and all coordination necessary to ensure a streamlined adoption process. - Myth: If I contact an adoption agency for information, they’ll pressure me to choose adoption.
Reality: Licensed adoption agencies are prohibited from pressuring a baby’s parents to choose adoption over other options. No one should ever pressure you to make an adoption plan for your child. - Myth: Once I decide to proceed with an adoption plan, I can’t change my mind.
Reality: In Florida, a woman must wait 48 hours after the baby’s birth to sign adoption consents. At any point up until those consents are signed, she can change her mind and decide to parent, with no repercussions. - Myth: Placing my baby for adoption means I’m abandoning my child.
Reality: Choosing adoption is a selfless and loving decision that mothers make with their child’s best interests at heart. With modern open adoption, the child can grow up knowing that their mother loved them so much, she chose to give them a beautiful life full of love. - Myth: Choosing adoption means I don’t love my child enough to parent them.
Reality: Deciding to make an adoption plan is incredibly difficult emotionally for mothers, and that’s because the decision comes from a place of love. This choice involves immense sacrifice, made out of pure love for the child and a wish for them to have the opportunities and security that every child deserves. - Myth: Only teenagers place babies for adoption.
Reality: Women of any age can find themselves in circumstances where they are unable to parent their child. Adoption gives them a way to give their child the abundant future that they want for them, but do not feel that they can provide at that point in their lives.
Explore the truth about adoption
It’s common for pregnant women considering adoption to have many questions and worries about what to expect. Our Florida adoption counselors can answer all of your questions and explain every part of the process to you, so that you can make an informed choice that feels right for you and your child. Contact us at (239) 703-8600 today to connect with an options counselor, and get information about adoption that can debunk common adoption myths.
