Adoption

If a pregnancy does occur, there are options for the mother to decide on. Adoption is one option that will put a child with another family that is ready and willing to care for the child as their own.

There are two types of adoption

• Open adoption
• the birth mother selects the adoptive parents for her child
• the two families may decide to keep in touch
• allows birth parents to contact the child through letters, pictures, and visits with child and adoptive family
• Closed adoption
• the names of the birth mother and the adoptive parents are kept secret from one another

Once placed, the child becomes permanently and legally a member of the adoptive family with full rights to inheritance and a lifetime family relationship.

In open adoption, birth mothers are very involved in choosing families for their child. They can also choose to be completely uninvolved. They are often given profiles of each family. In some cases, birth mothers meet the prospective adoptive parents before the child is born.

What information is needed from the birth father? Most agencies like to get as much information from the birth father as possible. Each state has different laws about the birth fathers rights.

How soon is the baby placed in an adoptive home? Each state has different laws about this. There is usually a waiting period of 48 hours or more before a child can be placed. In some states the birth mother may change her mind during a limited period of time.

For information about adoption services, visit these websites:
Bethany Christian Services
Lutheran Services of Iowa
New Horizons Adoption Agency (based in Blue Earth, Minnesota) 1-800-314-3370
Avalon Center (based in Mason City, Iowa)