What is Adoption?
How Does the Adoption Process Work?
Deciding if Adoption is Right for You 
Adoption Resources

Adoption is an alternative for you if you do not feel prepared to raise a child but do not want to have an abortion. Adoption is a legal process. This means that there are certain laws that must be followed. In an adoption you, the birth mother, give up all your rights and responsibilities as a parent. Once all the adoption procedures are completed, the decision is permanent and cannot be reversed.

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There are two methods for legal adoption in California. You can go through a private or government agency, in which case the agency takes full responsibility for all the legal matters involved. Or, in what is called an independent adoption, you find the adoptive family yourself. In both instances, the adoptive couple must be approved by the State Department of Social Services before the adoption process is final. Buying or selling babies is against the law.

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Making an adoption plan for your child is not an easy decision. Women arrange for an adoption for many different reasons. There are many couples who are unable to have a child of their own who would welcome the chance to raise an adopted child. Sometimes people who give up a child for adoption feel a sense of loss and wonder about the well being of the child. These feelings are very natural and should be discussed with an experienced counselor.

Before you decide to put a child up for adoption, you should ask yourself these questions:

• How do I feel about going through 9 months of pregnancy, delivery and then placing my child in an adoptive home?
• How do I feel about someone else raising my child?
• How do I feel about the probability of never seeing my child again?
• Would it make a difference if I had a boy or a girl?
• Do I know the physical risks of pregnancy and childbearing?
• What agencies offer adoption services?
• What are the adoption procedures?
• What are the terms of the adoption?
• What might my life be like in 5 years? 10 years?
• Who can I talk to about my decision?
• How does my partner answer these questions?

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For additional information:

• The Independent Adoption Center
• The National Adoption Information Clearinghouse
• PACT Adoption Alliance

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