Adoption FAQs

Considering Adoption for Your Baby

• Knowledge How much do I know about adoption and parenting and how much information do I have about both options?
• Your Reasons for Considering Adoption. Is the reason because I feel as if I can't or don't want to be a parent right now or is it because I feel pressured by others?
• Living Arrangements. If I decide to parent, where will we live? Is the environment where I live suitable for children? Can I afford living expenses on my own? Would I live with my family or a friend?
• Support. Who will support me emotionally in my decision? Will my family and friends support my decision and if not, how will I cope? How do the people close to me feel about adoption versus parenting? If I parent my child, will my family and friends help me out by providing childcare when I need them?
• Feelings. What are my feelings about adoption? What feelings have changed (if any) about adoption now that I am pregnant? Am I emotionally strong enough to place my baby with another family? How do I feel about someone else raising my baby?
• Goals for the Future. What do I want to achieve and experience in life? What are my educational and career goals? If I decide to parent my child, can I still accomplish these goals? What is best for my child and I in the long run?
• Financial Issues. Am I able to give a child what he or she needs right now if I choose to parent? What job skills do I have? How would I afford to support myself and a child? Can I rely on my parents or my baby's father to help me financially? How do I feel about public assistance? Do I know what resources are available to me in my community such as WIC and other government programs? Have I spoken with a counselor at a crisis pregnancy center to see what avenues of support are available to me?
• Time and Sacrifice. If I choose to parent my baby, will I miss going out with my friends as much as I do now and my freedom to do whatever I want? How would parenting affect my social life? Am I ready to give up my free time and become a full-time parent?
• Your Baby's Father. How does the father of my baby feel about my pregnancy and about adoption? Is marrying the father of my baby possible? Would I become a single parent and am I ready for that now? Would the father help me out with emotional support, childcare and financial support? Would he be a good role model for my child?
• Age. Do I feel as if I am too young to be a parent now? What if I decide adoption is best, but have regrets in a few years when I'm older and more
• Child Safety. Am I addicted to drugs or alcohol? Can I be a good parent and take care of my child if I'm under the influence? Do I lose my temper easily? Am I worried about abusing or neglecting my child? Would adoption be the safest and healthiest option?