Why does Adoption still Carry so much Stigma?

By Kaitlyn Chrisemer

Although adoption is now a common way to create a family, adoption still carries a lot of stigmas. There are a few different reasons why this stigma is still so strong. First, although adoption is one of the main unplanned pregnancy options, many people still have false ideas about it. People still tend to think of adoption negatively, which can deter people from considering adoption. Don’t let stigma stop you from starting to make your adoption plan if you feel adoption is the right choice.

At Adoption Choices of Texas, we want to help reduce adoption’s stigma. Our adoption agencies want to inform people, so they understand that this stigma isn’t valid. These negative stigmas aren’t accurate and shouldn’t impact anyone’s adoption decision. No one should have to worry that they or their child will be looked down upon for choosing adoption. 

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.

Adoption Confuses Children

One of the main false assumptions that create this stigma is that adoption confuses children. People think that both adopted children and kids who interact with adopted children will be confused by the family dynamics. They think that adopted children will be confused about who their parents are and other children won’t understand their family. 

However, there is no reason that adoption should bring confusion with it. If families are open and honest with their children about the fact that they are adopted, there shouldn’t be issues. Teaching children about adoption will help ensure they aren’t confused about their family make-up. Alternatively, children who are exposed to different types of families will be more open-minded. This will help them as they go into the world and meet people different from themselves in other ways. 

Families are Made through Blood Relations

Another prominent belief some people hold is that families are made through blood ties. This is reflected by terms like “real family” or “real parents” and phrases like “blood is thicker than water.” These lead people to believe that adopted children aren’t “real” children like biological children are. 

This is inaccurate and has no basis in reality. Blood doesn’t make a family. Love does. Every day people have falling outs with blood family members and stop speaking to them. On the other hand, people find new best friends and people they click with daily. Found families are where terms like “sister from another mister” come from. Strong familial relationships don’t have to start from birth or with a blood connection. 

Placing a Child for Adoption is Taking the Easy Way Out

Many people think that putting a child up for adoption is a selfish solution. They feel that adoption is taking the easy way out of a difficult situation. Some see adoption as giving away or giving up the baby because the mother doesn’t want to raise it. This leads them to think of it as the birth mother easily opting out of her unexpected pregnancy. 

People don’t understand that adoption is a very difficult and emotional choice for birth mothers who are unexpectedly pregnant. Birth mothers want what is best for their children and are not only thinking of themselves. The adoption process is long and very involved for most birth mothers. Choosing adoption is not choosing the easy way out of an unplanned pregnancy. 

Adopted Children Weren’t Loved by their Birth Parents

People also seem to think that children who were adopted weren’t loved or wanted by their birth parents. They think the only reason a child is placed for adoption is their birth parents don’t love them. 

However, this is the farthest thing from the truth in most cases. People don’t realize that there are numerous different reasons a child might be placed for adoption. The majority of these reasons have nothing to do with how much the birth parents love or want the child. Birth mothers often place their child for adoption because they feel it is best for the child. They decide on adoption because they feel the child would have a better life with a different adoptive family. 

Adoption is a Second Choice

Many people also believe that adoption is only a second choice for adoptive families. They feel that couples only adopt children after trying and failing to have biological children. This makes adoption seem like a second-best option rather than an equally important decision. 

In reality, families don’t view their children as adopted or biological. They’re simply theirs. There is no difference in how people treat their adopted kids versus their biological kids. Love and care for a child is not connected to biology. Some adoptive families already have biological children, and others don’t try to have biological children before entering the adoption process. 

Only Certain People Can Adopt

A final main concept that adds to adoption’s stigma is that only certain people can adopt. Many falsely think that only straight, white, rich couples adopt children. Due to this, some people see it as a privilege rather than just a way to begin a family. 

Anyone evaluated and deemed a fit parent can work with an adoption agency to adopt a child. Contact our adoption agencies if you’re looking to adopt a child and are struggling or looking for more information. 

Adoption with Adoption Choices of Texas

If you’re for a place to help with adoption for your baby, reach out to Adoption Choices of Texas. We can help with adoptions throughout Texas at any point in your adoption journey. Hopefully, the more adoption becomes normalized, the less stigma it will hold. As people learn more about the topic, it should become more destigmatized. 

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.

Adoption Choices of Texas es la única agencia de adopción con servicios completamente en esapñol en el estado de Texas. Si está embarazada y necesita ayuda, llámenos o envíenos un mensaje de texto y uno de nuestros especialistas en adopción podrá ayudarlo. Podemos ayudarte con la adopcion de niños. Para obtener más información sobre el proceso de adopción como una mujer embarazada o una madre biológica, comuníquese con Adoption Choices of Texas. Para español llamar: 888-510-5029

We look forward to helping you through your adoption journey!