When you’re thinking about adoption, you might get some slack and hear negative comments. People may say things like “giving your baby up for adoption is selfish.”
Today, Lifetime is giving you the truth behind the five most-popular adoption myths!
Myth # 1: Adoption is Selfish
In reality, adoption is the least selfish choice that you can make for your child. Making an adoption plan doesn’t mean you don’t love your baby. It means the opposite: that you love them so much you want to give them the life you know they deserve. Choosing adoption can be the best choice if you don’t have the means to parent another child, or aren’t ready to become a mom.
Myth #2: Adoption Means Giving Your Baby to Strangers
In open adoption, you can speak with, meet, and select your baby’s adoptive parents. You’re able to choose a family who would raise him or her exactly the way that you’re hoping. And, you can decide what kind of a relationship you want to have with your child and the adoptive couple. Know that you have the right to be in contact with your child after placement, including letters, photos, emails, and visits.
Myth #3: It’s Best to Hide the Adoption from the Baby’s Father
Your baby’s father has rights too. If you know who the father is, he must be informed of the adoption. If he’s not OK with the adoption or if you’re no longer together, your Adoption Coordinator or an attorney can notify him. Know that if you don’t feel safe telling your baby’s father, you don’t have to speak to him yourself.
Myth #4: No One Will Want to Adopt a Baby Exposed to Alcohol or Drugs
Lifetime has adoptive families that will provide your baby with a loving home, even if he or she was exposed to drugs or alcohol. It’s important to be up-front about drug, cigarette, or alcohol use during pregnancy so your doctor can address your health, and the health of your baby.
If your baby tests positive for drugs when he or she is born, the hospital will notify Child Protective Services. In that case, your baby may be placed into foster care. But if you choose adoption, you’re able to choose where your baby will go, and how involved you’ll be with your baby as they grow up.
Myth #5: It’s Too Late To Choose Adoption
You can make an adoption plan any time. If your baby’s already been born, Lifetime can arrange for an adoptive couple to meet you and your baby at the hospital. It’s never too late to choose adoption.
Maybe you were thinking about adoption but reconsidered. Or maybe you’ve tried to make parenting work and are struggling to care for your baby. In either case, you can still move forward any time you wish. Don’t believe these adoption myths. You’re not making the wrong choice for your child by providing him or her with the life they deserve!
As Vice President of Lifetime Adoption, Heather Featherston holds an MBA and is passionate about working with those facing adoption, pregnancy, and parenting issues. Heather has conducted training for birth parent advocates, spoken to professional groups, and has appeared on television and radio to discuss the multiple aspects of adoption. She has provided one-on-one support to women and hopeful adoptive parents working through adoption decisions.
Since 2002, she has been helping pregnant women and others in crisis to learn more about adoption. Heather also trains and speaks nationwide to pregnancy clinics to effectively meet the needs of women who want to explore adoption for their child. Today, she continues to address the concerns women have about adoption and supports the needs of women who choose adoption for their child.
As a published author of the book Called to Adoption, Featherston loves to see God’s hand at work every day as she helps children and families come together through adoption.
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