Why Consider Adoption?
Birthparents place their children for adoption for any number of reasons. While one expectant mother might not find an issue with a certain circumstance, another might find that same issue to be the main reason for her decision to place. While it is a very personal decision, there are some issues that we see time and time again when expectant parents are considering adoption for their child.
Financial Issues
Some parents feel that without a stable income, they cannot provide their child with the type of life they feel their child deserves. It can seem overwhelming to suddenly have another person who depends on you not just financially but emotionally. Maybe you already have children who depend on you emotionally and financially and cannot care for another child.
Wanting a Two-Parent Household
In a perfect world, every parent who conceived a child would want to be present and emotionally invested in that child's life. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Some expectant mothers experiencing an unplanned pregnancy find themselves without a present, invested partner early on in that pregnancy. Due to personal or moral beliefs, or even past experience, some feel that having a two-parent home is an absolute must for any child that they are bringing into the world.
Too Young or Inexperienced
While the average age of an expectant mother is in her early 20s, some are younger and some are older. The recognition of the need for things like a high school diploma or a college degree to properly provide for a child ARE reasons that younger parents might consider placement.
Lack of Support from the Birthfather or Family Members
While some mothers and fathers are able to continue on with their education or lifestyle after an unplanned pregnancy and decision to parent, it is often due to the help of friends and family members. If your own parents have all but thrown you out of the house (or, in some cases, done just that), it may seem very scary to make an attempt at parenting with no help.
Other reasons include things like rape and incest, homelessness, an abusive situation or simply wanting a better life for your child than you know you can provide. Keep in mind that no one can or should tell you that your reasons for placing a baby for adoption are wrong.
