Tell It Like it Is:

In honor of National Adoption Awareness month, I thought I would share with you some truth's about Domestic Infant Adoption, as found in Adoptive Families Magazine, January/February 2003 issue.

Myth:
There are no babies being placed for adoption in the U.S.

Reality:
20,000 or more U.S.-born infants are placed for adoption each year.

Myth:
Adopting parents pay extortionate amounts—tens and tens of thousands of dollars.

Reality:
Costs to adopt domestically average $15,000. After the Adoption Tax Credit, the cost is comparable to that of giving birth in a hospital.
(Also, when you use an adoption agency, you are paying for the service NOT the baby. We've heard that so many times! We have had excellent service and care from our agency, Adoption Circle!!)

Myth:
Birthmothers are all troubled teens.

Reality:
Most birthmothers today are older than 18. In most cases, it’s lack of resources that causes them to place their children for adoption.

Myth:
Adopting parents must wait five years or more for a baby.

Reality:
The average wait in a domestic adoption is less than two years.

Myth:
Adoptees are all maladjusted.

Reality:
Studies show that adoptees are as well adjusted as their non-adopted peers.

Myth:
Birthparents can arrive at any time to reclaim their child.

Reality:
Once an adoption is finalized, the adoptive family is recognized as the child’s family by law.

We have nothing but good things to say about the adoption process in Ohio, as we are experiencing it first hand. We had many of the same misconceptions of adoption that most of you have, but with a little research and education, you too can learn that adoption is a blessing, and not at all a curse!

For more information about Open Domestic Adoption, visit www.adoptivefamilies.com