Adoption can be one of the most beautiful and challenging choices a birth mother can make. When facing an unplanned pregnancy, some women simply do not feel emotionally, spiritually or physically prepared to provide a safe, loving home for their child. At the same time, thousands of would-be adoptive parents eagerly await the opportunity to embrace these children as their own. So, what’s the best way for these families to come together? For some, it’s through a semi-open adoption.
Adoption can take on many forms…
“Closed” adoptions are what many people think of as a traditional adoption. In this format, the birth mother is rarely given any information about the adoptive family, and is restricted from communicating with the child or the adoptive family in the future.
“Open” adoptions leave the door open to an ongoing relationship between the birth mother, the child and and the adoptive family. This often includes in-person visits throughout the child’s life.
An increasingly popular middle ground is the “semi-open” adoption.
In a semi-open adoption, birth mothers and adoptive families communicate anonymously through a third-party, usually the adoption agency. The logistics can be negotiated, but generally include contact either through emails, letters, phone calls or a mix of those means. In some cases, pictures may also be exchanged.
Semi-open adoption offers several unique benefits to all parties, including the child.
For birth mothers, semi-open adoption provides the peace of mind of determining who the adoptive parents will be, and observing how the child progresses through the years. At the same time, it allows the birth mother to live her life privately, without pressure to inject herself directly into the child’s life.
For adoptive parents, semi-open adoption reduces fear that the birth mother’s presence may distract from or negatively impact their own relationship with the child. It also provides a means to better understand the child’s medical history.
That known medical history directly benefits the child for the rest of his or her life. Semi-open adoption can also help children feel a connection to where they came from while still appreciating the adoptive family who show them love every day.
If you think a semi-open adoption may be right for your current pregnancy, contact Sira in Gainesville today at 352-377-4947. We’ll listen to your needs, answer any questions, and talk through all the pregnancy options available to you.