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Explore the Option
of Open Adoption
What Is Open Adoption? Benefits, Your Rights, and More
Open Adoption is an adoption arrangement where Birth Moms maintain contact and communication with their child and the Adoptive Family after placement.
Unlike Closed Adoptions of the past, Open Adoption recognizes that connection and ongoing relationships can be healthy and beneficial for everyone involved—especially your child.
In Open Adoption, you have the opportunity to:
- Choose the Adoptive Family for your baby
- Meet and build a relationship with the adoptive parents
- Decide what level of contact feels right for you
- Receive updates, photos, and letters about your child’s growth
- Maintain a meaningful role in your child’s life story
Open Adoption is flexible and personalized to your comfort level. Some Birth Moms prefer occasional photo updates and letters, while others enjoy regular visits and phone calls. No single “right way” exists. It’s all about what works best for you and your unique situation.
Benefits of Open Adoption
Open Adoption offers important benefits for Expectant Mothers, Adoptive Families, and especially the children involved in these loving choices.
For You as the Expectant Mother:
- Peace of mind knowing your child is safe, loved, and thriving
- The ability to see your child grow up
- Ongoing connection that can help with the grieving process
- The opportunity to answer your child’s questions directly as they grow
- No lingering questions about your child’s wellbeing
- A relationship with the Adoptive Family built on mutual respect
For Your Child:
- Understanding of their adoption story from the beginning
- Access to medical history and heritage information
- The security of knowing they were placed out of love
- Relationships with both their Birth and Adoptive Families
- Reduced identity confusion as they grow
For the Adoptive Family:
- Direct access to medical and family history
- The ability to answer their child’s questions honestly
- A relationship with you that honors your role
- Support in helping their child understand their story
Open Adoption creates a foundation of honesty, love, and transparency that benefits everyone involved.
Your Rights as an Expectant Mother
Understanding your rights is essential as you consider adoption. At Abiding Love Adoptions, we keep you fully informed and empower you throughout the entire process.
You have the right to:
- Choose the Adoptive Family – You review family profiles and select the family that feels right for your baby. This is your decision, and we’ll help you find a family that matches your beliefs and values.
- Free Legal Representation – You have the right to your own Adoption Attorney. They will only represent your interests during the adoption process, and it won’t cost you anything.
- Counseling and Emotional Support – You are entitled to professional counseling and emotional support before, during, and after placement. These services help you process your feelings and decisions.
- Financial Assistance – You might receive support for pregnancy-related medical costs, living expenses, and other needs.
- Create Your Open Adoption Agreement – You get to decide how often and in what ways you want to stay in touch.
- Change Your Mind – You can change your mind and cancel the adoption process until you consent to it after your child is born. We’re here to support whatever decision you make.
- Privacy and Confidentiality – Your personal information and your decision-making process remain private and confidential.
- Dignity and Respect – You deserve to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect throughout this journey.
How Does Open Adoption Work?
Our Open Adoption Process is designed to give you control and support at every stage:
- Initial Contact – Reach out to us with questions. This is not a commitment to an adoption plan, just a conversation. All conversations are confidential.
- Learn Your Options – We’ll discuss all your options, including parenting and adoption, so you can make an informed decision.
- Review Family Profiles – If you choose adoption, you’ll review profiles of prospective Adoptive Families and select the one that feels right.
- Meet the Family – Get to know your chosen family through calls, video chats, and in-person meetings.
- Create Your Plan – Work with your Adoption Attorney and the Adoptive Family to establish your Open Adoption agreement, including the level of contact you want.
- Receive Support – Throughout your pregnancy, we provide counseling, support groups, and assistance with approved expenses.
- Hospital Plan – Decide who you want present at the birth and how much time you’d like with your baby in the hospital.
- Placement – When you’re ready, you’ll complete the legal consent process with your Adoption Attorney present.
- Ongoing Contact – Stay connected according to your Open Adoption agreement, with our continued support available for as long you need it.
Why Choose Abiding Love Adoptions as Your Open Adoption Agency
Abiding Love Adoptions will not profit from your choice. Our only goal is to support you and help you make the best decision.
What makes us different:
- We work exclusively with Expectant Mothers – We don’t represent Adoptive Families, which means we can focus entirely on supporting and protecting you.
- All services are completely free – You’ll never pay for counseling, legal representation, or any other service we provide.
- We specialize in Open Adoption – We believe in the power of ongoing connection and will help you create an adoption plan that honors your relationship with your child.
- No pressure, ever – Exploring adoption with us is not a commitment. We’re here to provide information and support, not to push you in any direction.
- We’re with you for the long haul – Our support doesn’t end at placement. We provide ongoing counseling and assistance for as long as you need it.
- Licensed and experienced – We’re licensed in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, with years of experience supporting Expectant Mothers through the adoption process.
Exploring your options with us is not a commitment to make an adoption plan. We invite you to learn more about open adoption to see if it’s right for you. All services are FREE and confidential!
Contact us to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much contact is typical in Open Adoption?
This varies greatly based on individual preferences. Some Birth Moms and Adoptive Families exchange monthly photos and letters, while others enjoy regular phone calls, video chats, or in-person visits. With the help of your Adoption Agency, you and the Adoptive Family work together to decide what feels right.
Will I still be the baby's mother if I choose adoption?
You will always be your child’s Birth Mom—that bond and role can never be erased. Open Adoption allows you to be present in their life while the Adoptive Parents take on the day-to-day parenting responsibilities.
Can I change the Open Adoption agreement after finalization?
Open Adoption agreements may or may not be legally enforceable, depending on the state you live in. However, they’re built on mutual respect and trust.
Many families naturally adjust their contact over time as needs change, working together to do what’s best for the child.
What if I'm not sure adoption is right for me?
Learning about adoption does not mean you have to decide right away. It just gives you information to help you make the best choice for your situation.