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Ann's Adoption Story

I was 23 years old when I found out I was pregnant. When my doctor told me I was two months pregnant, I was in shock and I didn't know where to turn. I was sure that I could physically care for a child — but not mentally or financially. I knew that I couldn't keep my baby, and abortion was just not an option for me.

That's when I called American Adoptions. I spoke with an understanding social worker that knew exactly what I was going through. She listened to my concerns and explained how the adoption process works. She never pushed me to make a decision; she just listened to me until I knew that placing my baby for adoption was the right choice — not just for me but for my baby.

They let me look at picture profiles of adoptive parents so that I could choose who would raise my baby. I finally chose a young couple that had both the financial means and desire to raise a child but not the ability to have one themselves. I knew in my heart that this was the best option for my child. I would never have to worry if she had enough food, a place to live, or clothes on her back. I knew that she would always be taken care of and that assurance was more than I could possibly dream of giving to her. I didn't know where I was going in life, and I knew that I couldn't make decisions for another human being as well.

At the hospital, I met the adoptive family. I knew as soon as I saw them look at my baby that they would love her unconditionally, as if she were their own. They looked like they belonged together and once again my feelings were confirmed.

This was beyond a doubt the best thing I could do for my daughter. My daughter is now nine months old. Her adoptive family has sent me letters and pictures, just to let me know that she's doing okay. Sometimes people ask me if I regret placing my baby for adoption and, honestly, I never have. I'm not saying it wasn't hard to do — it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do — but I know in my heart it would have been much more difficult to try to provide for a child that I know I wasn't ready for. It would have been even harder for my baby.

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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.

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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.

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