Choosing the Type of Adoption You Want in Your Adoption Plan

An unplanned pregnancy can be very difficult, and you are most likely experiencing many emotions. It is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by the choices that lay ahead of you, one of which is considering adoption. If you are considering adoption you might be thinking: What types of adoptions are there? Which one is the best choice for me? 

If you need help with adoption now, you can call us at 945-444-0333, text us at 945-444-0333, or email us here.

There are 3 types of adoption that you can have in your adoption plan:

• Open Adoption
• Closed Adoption
• Semi-open Adoption

Understanding these options is important, and will help you make the best decision for you and your baby. Adoption Choices of Texas is here to tell you all about it.

Open Adoption in Texas

A common misconception with adoption is that the birth mothers are out of the baby’s life completely. This cannot be further from the truth. If you want to be a part of your baby’s life while still giving him or her the best life possible, then you can choose an open adoption in your adoption plan. In an open adoption, there is a relationship built between the birth mother and adoptive family. You can start building a relationship with your baby’s adoptive family before delivery and maintain it after delivery, if this is what you wish. 

As a birth mother choosing an open adoption, you will be able to choose the family who will adopt your child. At Adoption Choices of Texas, you will be able to browse our adoptive parent portfolios to select the right family for your baby. You then will be able to start communicating with them via text, phone, or email. You can even set up a meeting in person. On your delivery date, you can choose to have the adoptive family present or spend time with them and your baby while you are recovering in the hospital. After delivery, you can remain in contact with your baby and his or her adoptive family. You can receive pictures, exchange phone calls and texts, and even visit them down the road. 

Remember, you can choose to have an open adoption and do all of the things listed above, or you can choose not to do any of these things. This is 100% okay. You are always in control of your adoption plan.

Closed Adoption in Texas

Although less common these days, a closed adoption is still a type of adoption available for you to choose. Just because it is uncommon does not mean that it is the wrong choice. Only you can decide what the best choice is for you and your child. 

A closed adoption means that there is no contact between the birth mother and the adoptive family. Closed adoptions are anonymous, so no identifying information about you are the adoptive parents will be shared. The adoption records are sealed after everything is finalized, and will remain so until the child turns 18 years old. 

A closed adoption is a valid option that you have as a birth mother. Many birth mothers might think that choosing a closed adoption means that they are selfish. This cannot be further from the truth. It is more important to choose the adoption type that works best for you. 

Semi-Open Adoption in Texas

If you are reading about the two types of adoption described above, and you are thinking: I wish there was something in between, then a semi-open adoption might be a fitting choice for you. A semi-open adoption is known as the middle ground or a happy medium between an open and closed adoption. You will have some contact with the adoptive family, such as letters, phone calls, and texts, but this contact will be mediated by the adoption agency through a secure, confidential online portal called ChildConnect. 

It is important to keep in mind that, after the adoption is finalized,  limited contact is all that you can have with your child. Semi-open adoption plans may be a good fit if you want something that falls in between an open and closed adoption. You have the power to decide the level of openness that you want to have in the adoption process.

Choosing the Type of Adoption You Want in Your Adoption Plan

Whether or not you choose to have an open, closed or semi-open adoption, know that there are many options available to you. At Adoption Choices of Texas, you are in control of your adoption plan. You have the power to choose the plan that is best for you. Remember, the type of adoption that you choose in your adoption plan has no reflection on who you are as a person. Whatever path you decide to take, you are making the best choice for you and your baby, and that is the most important thing of all.

As an expectant woman or birth parent, to learn more about adoption, contact Adoption Choices of Texas. You can call us at 945-444-0333, text us at 945-444-0333, or email us here. If you are hoping to adopt, please visit us here. We look forward to helping you through your adoption journey!

Meet the Author: Heather Frederick is in her fourth and final year at Siena College and lives in Delmar, New York. She is completing her BFA in English and has written several plays,The Vagabond, Paneless, and Yours, for the Oppressed. On most days, you can find her in the kitchen baking and singing to showtunes. 

As a member of the BTS Army, she likes to spend time listening to Kpop and learning dance choreography.