Domestic Adoption

Making the choice to pursue adoption is not always an easy one. Many couples feel intimidated and overwhelmed when the first begin to explore adoption -- who knew adoption could be so complicated?

One of the biggest choices a couple must first make when considering adoption is whether or not they prefer to adopt internationally or domestically. Although the limelight has recently been focused on international adoptions (largely due to stories of Hollywood stars choosing international adoption) the truth is that domestic adoption continues to grow each year.

Many people are falsely lead to believe that there are few children available for adoption in the U.S., which leads them choose international adoption. However, this is untrue. The National Council for Adoption estimates 25,000 or more U.S.-born children are placed for adoption each year. In contrast, there were 19,411 children adopted internationally by U.S. couples in 2007, according to the U.S. Department of State.

More couples are also choosing domestic adoption because of the many advantages it can offer. Couples do not have to worry about traveling overseas for weeks at a time to complete the adoption, which can be a costly endeavor for many. They also are able to receive an extensive medical history of their child and their child's genetic relatives, something that may not be available, or complete, in an international adoption.

To learn more about domestic adoption, visit our Adoptive Family section.