ADOPTION
Have you recently found out you are pregnant? If you are unable to parent at this time or
unsure about abortion, adoption may be a pregnancy option for you to consider.
Adoption is a permanent, legal agreement that will give another person, or couple, the
rights and responsibility to raise your child. Adoption can give your baby the chance to be
cared for by a family who can parent the child and provide what he/she needs to grow and
be healthy.
A woman may choose adoption for many different reasons. She may be too young to
parent, unable to afford the costs of a child, or unwilling to raise a baby alone. A woman
could also feel that her pregnancy is mistimed because work, school, or future plans.
Choosing adoption can be a difficult decision that can only be made by you. Take time to
explore your feelings when deciding to make an adoption plan. It may also be helpful to
find a support person you trust or counselor to talk to about your pregnancy decision. If
you think adoption may be your pregnancy decision, or if you are considering parenting
your child, you will need to begin prenatal care as soon as possible.
There are three major types of Adoption:

Open adoption, the most common type of adoption, is when a birth mother is
completely involved in the adoption process. The birth mother may select the adoptive
family, learn about their values and beliefs, and spend time with the adoptive parents.
The level of openness is determined by both the birth mother and adoptive parent(s).
The birth mother and adoptive family may choose to continue their relationship
throughout the child’s life. Contact may include: visits with the child, pictures, phone
calls, or other occasional updates.

Closed adoptions, also known as confidential adoptions, is when a birth mother
and adoptive parents do not have any contact. The birth mother can still be involved
in selecting the adoptive family, but neither party will learn any identifying contact
information about one another. Although closed adoptions are becoming less common,
a birth mother may still choose this option to have more privacy.

Semi-open adoption is when a birth mother is involved in selecting the adoptive
family but all communication is made through the adoption agency or attorney
arranging the adoption.
Adoption can be arranged in a variety of ways:





Agency Adoptions– State licensed agency connects a birth mother with the adoptive family.
Independent Adoptions or Adoption Attorneys– Adoption process is arranged by a lawyer.
Adoption by a relative or kinship adoption– Birth mother's family member adopts the child.
Domestic Adoption– Children born and adopted in the United States.
International Adoption– Children born in other countries and adopted in the United States.
An adoption is not final until the infant is born and the papers, which agree
to the adoption, have been signed by the birth mother.
Adapted from information found at www.plannedparenthood.org and
www.prochoice.org, accessed May 10, 2010.
Created November 2010.
Are You Considering Adoption?
Choosing to make an adoption plan when facing an unplanned pregnancy is a major decision that
should be made after much consideration. It is important for you to decide if adoption is the best
pregnancy option for you and your baby.
Here are some questions to think about when deciding on adoption…
 Am I ready to become a parent now?
 What is my relationship with the baby’s father?
 Would I be able to provide for my child?
 How can I still accomplish my future goals if I decide to parent my child?
 Have I considered all options for my pregnancy?
 How do I feel when I think about adoption? Or abortion?
 What will others think of my decision?
 Do I have a support person who will help me through the adoption process?
 Am I ready to go through pregnancy and childbirth?
 How will I feel after the adoption process?
 What type of family would I want to raise my baby?
 Would I like to have continued contact with my child?
 Is adoption my choice?
Referrals to Infant Adoption Agencies
Infant of Prague Adoption Service
6059 N. Palm Avenue
Fresno, CA 93704
(559) 447-3333
Chrysalis House, Inc.
7395 N. Palm Bluffs Suite 106
Fresno, CA 93711
(559) 229-9862
“Infant of Prague Adoption Service, with its belief that
all life is precious, is committed to serving the needs of
children and building families through education,
supportive counseling, and adoption services.”
“To enrich and build families through adoption
and foster care services.”
Bethany Christian Services*
726 W. Barstow Avenue Suite 116
Fresno CA, 93704
(559) 432-9696
Family Connections Christian Adoptions*
7257 N. Maple Avenue Suite 101
Fresno CA, 93720
(559) 325-9388
“Manifests the love and compassion of Jesus Christ by
protecting and enhancing the lives of children and
families through quality social services.”
“FCCA has a commitment to children who wait for
permanent, loving homes, and to the families who long to
open their hearts and homes to the waiting children.”
*Faith Based
*Faith Based
www.infantofprague.org
www.bethany.org
www.chrysalishouse.com
www.fcadoptions.org
This list only contains referrals to adoption agencies that offer significant support to the birth mother.
Agencies that focus on foster care and adoption attorneys were not included.
Helpful websites to learn more about adoption…
www.prochoice.org/Pregnant/options/adoption.html
www.pregnancyoptions.info/pregnant.htm
www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/pregnancy/adoption-21520.htm
www.childwelfare.gov
www.adoptioncouncil.org
Adapted from information found at www.plannedparenthood.org and
www.prochoice.org, accessed May 10, 2010.
Created November 2010.