Just the facts, ma’am: Debunking common adoption myths
Most of us have heard stories of adopted individuals who grew up seeking information about a mother or father they never had a chance to know. Many common adoption myths come from these stories. But in truth, adoption today is nothing like it was even just a few decades ago. Here, the Texas adoption experts at Legacy Adoption Services® explain the facts about adoption, including why modern adoption is so different today than in the past.
The truth about common adoption myths
Here are some common adoption myths and the facts about adoption that may surprise you.
- Mothers get paid for placing babies for adoption. In fact, it is illegal to “sell” a baby in Texas, or anywhere in the United States. While mothers can receive financial assistance and adoption-related services and support, they never receive direct payment for placing a baby for adoption.
- Mothers will never see their babies again once they place them for adoption. The truth is that with modern adoption, mothers are able to choose their baby’s parents. This helps them feel confident that their baby is going to a loving home, with parents who share their personal values and respect their preferences.
- Once you place a baby for adoption, you will never have contact with the child again. With modern adoption, mothers decide exactly how much contact they want to have with their adoptive parents of choice and with their child going forward. They can also choose what form of contact they would like to have, whether it’s simply exchanging photos, having phone calls or even visiting with their child in person throughout the years ahead.
- Adoption is expensive for a mother. A mother will never have to pay for any expenses associated with the adoption process, including medical bills, counseling, legal fees and any other services provided by an adoption agency.
- Adoption is complicated. When working with an adoption agency, the entire process is streamlined, so that the mother can simply make the important decisions about her preferences and leave the rest to the experts.
- Adoption plans cannot be reversed. In Texas, mothers must wait at least 48 hours after the birth of the baby before they can sign adoption consents. Right up until the moment that the mother signs those adoption consents, she can change her mind about the adoption and choose to parent her child with no repercussions. Once the adoption consents are signed, however, the adoption is not reversible.
- The father has no role in deciding about adoption. During pregnancy, the mother is the baby’s only legal parent. But once the baby is born, the father does play an active role as a child’s parent. Fathers can choose to parent their child if they wish, and can also consent to adoption or relinquish their parental rights.
- Mothers choose to place their babies for adoption because they do not want them. This is one of the common adoption myths that is very much untrue. Choosing adoption for a baby is a loving choice that a mother makes because she wants to give her child a beautiful and abundant future. Placing a child for adoption is a decision made purely out of love.
Where can I get the facts about adoption?
If you’re considering placing your baby for adoption, we are happy to answer all of your questions and help you with debunking common adoption myths. Whether you ultimately make an adoption plan or choose to parent your baby, getting all the facts about adoption is an important first step in choosing the path that is right for you and your child.
Contact us anytime at (817) 799-6834 to speak with our Texas adoption experts and learn more about the adoption process.
