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“What does adoption mean to a child?”

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Am I Too Young or Old to Choose Adoption?

If you are considering adoption for your child, it’s probably safe to assume that you were not expecting to be pregnant at this time in your life. Maybe you are a young woman still working toward your educational or career goals, or maybe you have already completed your family and aren’t ready to “start over” with a new baby.

Unplanned pregnancies happen to women of all ages – and regardless of how old or how young you are, adoption is always an option for you.

At American Adoptions, we know that the stage of life you’re in can play a big role in your adoption decision and process. Whether you’re in your teens, twenties, thirties or forties, we can provide the support and services you need as you consider your unplanned pregnancy options and make an adoption plan. To learn more, please read the articles below or call 1-800-ADOPTION now to speak with an adoption specialist.

5 Things to Consider When Placing a Baby for Adoption in Your Teens

5 Things to Consider When Placing a Baby for Adoption in Your Teens

If you’re a pregnant teenager considering adoption, you probably have questions about how the process works for someone your age. Find answers and support here.

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"I'm 20 and Pregnant and I Don't Want the Baby" - What Now?

"I'm 20 and Pregnant and I Don't Want the Baby" - What Now?

Every year, thousands of women in their 20s face an unplanned pregnancy. If you’re considering adoption as an option, you’re not alone. Here’s what you need to know.

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Why Women in Their 30s Choose to Give a Baby Up for Adoption

Why Women in Their 30s Choose to Give a Baby Up for Adoption

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy in your 30s, your reasons for considering might be different than a prospective birth mother in her teens or 20s. Find information and support specific to your situation here.

. . . read more

4 Reasons to Consider Giving a Baby Up for Adoption in Your 40s

4 Reasons to Consider Giving a Baby Up for Adoption in Your 40s

There are many reasons why a woman in her 40s might consider adoption as an option for her unplanned pregnancy. Learn more about the benefits of placing a baby for adoption in your 40s here.

. . . read more

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is American Adoptions the right adoption agency choice for many birth mothers?

American Adoptions is one of the largest licensed adoption agencies in the United States. Each year, we work with thousands of women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy and offer assistance to these women. Our large, caring staff is able to assist you seven days a week and provide you with one-on-one counseling about your pregnancy and available options.

You should choose an adoption agency where you feel completely comfortable with their services and staff. With American Adoptions, you will work with an Adoption Specialist who is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Adoption Specialist will be your advocate and will provide support and guidance as you create an adoption plan that is right for you.

How will the family tell my child about me and the adoption when my child is older?

Each family has their own style of introducing adoption to the child. When you are matched with an adoptive family, you can ask them this question. If you would like your Adoption Specialist to discuss it for you, just let her know. He or she can share your wishes or provide good ideas from other adoptive families.

You will also be able to share what you want your baby to know about you. You can complete a keepsake booklet to share hobbies, stories, photos of you and your family and a letter to your baby. The adoptive family can provide this to your child as he or she grows older. Be as creative as you like! Some birth mothers have even knitted a special blanket as a gift to their baby or given a similar symbol of their love.

The father of your baby can fill out the birth father's keepsake booklet or write a letter too. You may have other family members who would also like to share photos or a letter to the baby. This is your opportunity to pass on your and your family's love and to share your personality, history and reasons for choosing adoption. The adoptive family will treasure whatever information you provide and will share it with the baby at an appropriate age. In most adoptive homes, the word adoption is in the child's vocabulary early on, and adoption is celebrated in their lives.

Additional Resources

Teen Pregnancy - Information for Young Women

While not every woman who chooses adoption is a young mother, many are. Through adoption, many young women have found an ability to give their babies the best life possible, while finding the opportunity to realize their own dreams, as well. Call American Adoptions today at 1-800-ADOPTION.

Adoption Glossary

Do adoption terms and phrases leave you feeling confused? Learn the meaning to key adoption words and phrases with our comprehensive adoption glossary.

Building a Lifelong Bond - One Birth Mother's Open Adoption Story

Caitlin was fortunate to have plenty of time to connect with her baby’s adoptive family before giving birth — and it’s a relationship that continues strong today.