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Autumn's Adoption Story

 

Anger, sorrow, frustration, confusion, pain, and humiliation were just a few of the emotions I felt when I found out that I was pregnant. Everyone around me offered advice, and yet I still felt alone. Nobody told me what to do, and yet I still felt pressured. For an 18-year-old girl, fresh out of high school, with a collegiate athletic scholarship on the table, pregnancy was the last issue on my mind. Yet still I was there, in shoes that I never imagined I would fill. My options were clear, but there was not one that seemed good. I knew that abortion was not an option for me, but I also wanted my child to have the best life possible. For these reasons I chose adoption. Nine months later, as I placed my baby girl into the hands of her new mother, all those feelings rushed back in. It was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make, yet I would do it again a thousand times over. They always say every rose has its thorn, but I am thankful that every thorn bush has a rose. Out of a heartbreaking situation came hope.

Getting a college degree was always at the top of my priority list, I just wasn't sure what degree I wanted and what I wanted to do with one. After working through the whole adoption process, I knew that I wanted to help other girls dealing with pregnancy and other hardships. I am currently attending a university where I am playing volleyball and majoring in Sociology. In the future, I hope to use my story to make adoption a more prevalent choice among women.

I am really proud of myself for the accomplishments I have made so far and can't wait to see where my life leads. By choosing adoption, I was able to continue my life and accomplish the goals that I have always had and also give my baby the life that I was not able to provide. Adoption is a win- win situation for everyone and it is the most selfless decision to make. To any birthmother considering adoption, I'd say there is no better choice available. Yeah, it's not easy, but it's the most rewarding decision you can make. You are making an important decision that will change lives-that of your child and a family that wants a child more than anything in the world-but are unable to conceive.

Thanks to American Adoptions and the scholarship they provided for me, I was able to continue my education and follow through on the dreams I've had for so long. Every birth mother should apply for this scholarship; it is a great opportunity to help with school and to accomplish your dreams. Adoption is not about giving your baby away; it's about giving your baby a loving family and a great life they deserve.

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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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