Adoption is a beautiful thing because it allows everyone access to the opportunity to nurture a child. Just as there are countless reasons people choose to have a baby, there are numerous reasons you might choose to adopt. Adoption isn’t only a last-resort option for having children. If you aren’t sure whether or not you want to take the plunge into parenthood via adoption, here are some reasons you may want to consider:
1. There are over 100,000 children waiting to be adopted in the United States alone.
Adoption gives children a chance to lead normal, healthy, happy lives. When children age out of foster care without having been adopted, they are more likely to experience homelessness, drop out of school, and struggle in their careers and personal lives. If you want to help love and support a young person so that they can reach their potential, consider adopting a child.
2. Maybe raising an infant isn’t for you.
While many people seek to adopt babies, caring for a newborn or very young child is not for everyone. Daycare isn’t affordable for everyone, and with no mandated paid maternity leave in the U.S., you may feel that you cannot be the involved parent you want to be if you raise a child from infancy. Older children are less likely to be adopted, so those who are interested in raising a child from a later point in life may have an easier time being matched with a child.
3. You are single.
You don’t need to have a partner to have a child. While not all adoption agencies allow single parents to adopt, and some favor married couples, AFFEC believes that single parents are just as capable of caring for children as couples. The Child Welfare Information Gateway offers a helpful resource guide for single people considering adoption, and there are many blogs that cover the topic and can help you navigate the obstacles you may face.
4. You want to change the life of a young mother.
While having a child is a wonderful gift, like all things in life, it must happen when the time is right. Choosing to place a child up for adoption is a heartbreaking and difficult decision, but it allows young women in school or just beginning their careers to continue chasing their dreams without the stress of carrying for and supporting a child. Adoption not only positively impacts the life of the adopted child, but also that of the biological mother in some cases.
5. You are concerned about the risks of carrying a child.
With autoimmune diseases such as Type 1 diabetes, becoming pregnant puts your health on the line. Having a child later in life can also put you and the baby at risk, but these concerns should not stop you from starting a family. Adoption is a safer option for those unsure about how their bodies will handle going through pregnancy.
6. You do not want to pass genetic disorders/illnesses on to your child.
Genetic disorders and mental illnesses that run in your family can potentially be passed down to your biological children. If you are concerned about jeopardizing your child’s health, you may want to consider playing it safe by adopting a child.
7. Other options aren’t available to you.
As mentioned at the start of the article, sometimes adoption is the only option you can or want to pursue. And there’s no shame in that. Parenthood can be for everyone, no matter what obstacles stand in the way. And no matter how a child becomes a part of your home, they will still be your child. If you want to become a parent, you should feel empowered to do so in any way you can.
If one of these reasons resonates with you, we hope you will consider pursuing adoption as a way to grow your family. Visit afamilyforeverychild.org to learn more about adopting a child from foster care.
