Open vs. Closed Adoption

When you decide to give a baby up for adoption, you'll also need to think about whether the adoption will be closed or open. In order to make the best decision for you and your baby, you must be educated on the difference between these options.

Closed Adoption: In a closed adoption, neither the adoptive parents nor the birthparents know each other, nor do they ever meet. Instead, all the arrangements and paperwork occur through a middleman, usually an adoption agency, adoption facilitator or attorney.

Open Adoption: In an open adoption, the adoptive parents and the birthparents both know each other's full names, both first and last names. Depending on your level of openness, adoptive parents and birthparents have the opportunity to meet and exchange contact information. An open adoption typically includes some form of ongoing contact between both parties after placement, through phone calls, letters, emails, photos and even in person visits.

Consider these carefully before making your final choice. There are many reasons why birthmothers choose open or closed adoption. Your reasoning might be completely different, and that is okay. Every adoption is unique. Follow your heart and choose the path that is best for you.

After you have chosen to give your baby up for adoption, your adoption coordinator will go over the types of adoption with you in detail. Be sure to ask any questions you may have about either type in order to make the best decision.