Question: What Are the Pros of an Open Adoption for Birth Family?
As you are deciding on whether or not to place your child for adoption, one possible choice to consider is that of an open adoption. An open adoption is when the adoptive family, the child, and birth family continue some form of contact post adoption. The level of contact within an open adoption can be decided between the two families.
Answer: You Are Able to Select the Adoptive Parents
This may be one of the most important points to consider when deciding upon the level of openness within an adoption. Birth parents will be able to meet the pre-adoptive parents and get an idea of who they are before making the final decision. You can then talk openly about the level of contact you both feel comfortable with before the adoption takes place. Be sure to check within your state for laws that protect you and the agreement you decide upon. Know that open adoptions are not legally binding in most areas.
An Open Adoption Answers the Big Questions
Since the adoptee will have some contact with you, he will not have the feeling of a "missing piece" in his life like some adoptees describe. He will also have the opportunity to ask you the big question, "why was I placed for adoption?". The need to fantasize or romanticize your circumstances is then removed from the equation and the adopted child can grow up with truth. You will also be able to provide information regarding the child's heritage and ancestry. These will not be a mystery to the child in an open adoption.
A Chance to Build a Relationship with Your Child
Whatever level of contact that is decided upon in the adoption, an amount of openness will allow you and your child to know each other and form the beginnings of a relationship. You will also be there as another person in that child's life who loves and cherishes her. Depending on the relationship you have with the adoptive parents, you may also be a support person for them as parents throughout the years to come.
Medical History Is No Longer a Mystery
Many adoptees lack access to basic medical background information. This information can be vital to helping medical personnel make informed decisions on behalf of their patients. This invaluable information also pertains to mental and emotional health. Choosing an open adoption means giving your child the opportunity for a healthier future than in a traditional closed adoption arrangement where medical information will be outdated or non-existent.
An Open Adoption Means No Need for a Painful Adoption Search
Many adoptees do not know the details of their adoption story, the story of their beginning in life. An adoptee in an open adoption will have this information and will not have to suffer through an adoption search. Adoption searches can exhaust a person in many ways including emotionally and financially. Choosing an open adoption for your child means that your child will not have to endure an adoption search. If you remain in an open adoption, this means no adoption search for you as well.
