If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy and thinking about adoption, you may have more questions than answers. What would the process look like? Would you have any say in what happens? Could you still be part of your child’s life?

Adoption today looks very different from what many people imagine. Understanding the facts can help you decide whether adoption may be the right choice for you and your baby.

At New Life Family Outreach in High Point, our team offers free and confidential support as you consider your options. Contact us to talk through your questions in a caring, judgment-free space.

Fact #1: You Can Choose the Type of Adoption That Fits You

There are three main types of adoption, and each one offers a different level of contact:

• Open adoption: You stay connected with your child and the adoptive family, which may include sharing identifying information and taking part in milestones.
• Semi-open adoption: Contact continues, but communication goes through an adoption professional. You decide how much contact you’d like.
• Closed adoption: You remain anonymous, and identifying records are sealed by the courts.

Choosing an adoption plan doesn’t mean choosing to disappear from your child’s story. Many women find comfort in a plan that allows them to stay connected.

Fact #2: You Make Many of the Decisions

Adoption isn’t something that simply happens to you. As you create an adoption plan with a licensed adoption professional, you can make important choices, such as the kind of family you’d like for your child and the level of contact you hope to have after placement.

If you’re considering open or semi-open adoption, it’s helpful to know that in North Carolina, a contact agreement between a birth parent and adoptive parents generally can’t be enforced in court. That’s why choosing an adoptive family you trust, and talking openly about expectations, matters so much.

Fact #3: You Don’t Have to Pay for Adoption

Many women worry about the cost of adoption. In North Carolina, state law allows adoptive parents to pay certain reasonable and actual expenses connected to pregnancy, birth, and adoption, including:

• Medical, hospital, and pharmaceutical costs related to the pregnancy and birth
• Counseling related to the adoption
• Legal services connected to the adoption
• Ordinary living expenses during pregnancy and for up to six weeks after birth

These payments also can’t be made on the condition that you go through with the adoption. You can still change your mind.

Fact #4: You Have Time to Make Your Decision

North Carolina law includes important protections for birth mothers. A mother can only sign a consent to adoption after her baby is born, never before.

After signing, she has seven days to revoke her consent in writing. A licensed adoption agency or attorney can explain exactly how this works.

Fact #5: Learning About Adoption Doesn’t Commit You to It

Asking questions about adoption is simply a way to understand your options. You can learn how the process works and still decide that parenting is the right path for you.

If you’re also considering parenting, our Joy Program offers one-on-one mentoring from pregnancy until your child turns two. As you complete classes, you can also earn nursery supplies at no cost. Learn more about our education and support programs.

Fact #6: You Don’t Have to Walk This Road Alone

Whatever you decide, you deserve support from people who care about you and your future. Our team is here to listen, answer your questions, and help you get the information you need to make a confident decision.

All of our services are provided at no cost. Contact New Life Family Outreach or call (336) 887-2232 to schedule a free, confidential appointment.