For couples who can't conceive, as well as the children who need homes, adoption can be a rewarding option. There are many reasons why a mother may put her child up for adoption such as her age, being an unwed mother, lack of financial support or having a drug or alcohol addiction. When a child is given up for adoption, the adoption agency works diligently to match up the best family for the child. For parents adopting a child, there are some pros and cons to consider before taking the first step in the adoption process.
Acceptance
One positive factor in adoption is being able to introduce your new child to your family and friends. The addition of the adoptive child creates new relationships and forms lasting bonds with the people in your life. A possible drawback could be that some family or community members may not be readily accepting of a new adoptive child. They could pass judgment if perhaps the adoptive parent is single, involved in a gay relationship, adopting an interracial child or because of the parent's older age at the time of the adoption.
Financial Issues
While every agency screens potential adoptive patients and makes sure they can financially care for an additional family member, the loss of a job or the additional strain of having a child who develops an illness or special need could be a drawback to adopting. This added pressure can make raising and caring for the child difficult. An added bonus to adoption could be the additional tax breaks adoptive parents will see on their tax refund. The child tax credit, along with additional educational credits, can help increase your refund so you can create a college fund or care for your child.
Psychological
Adoption could have negative psychological effects on the child. The child may eventually raise questions about her genetic background. The adoptive parents should explain to the child the adoption process and try to reinforce the positive attributes of adoption rather than any negatives. Although it may be uncomfortable, discussion of the relinquishing of the rights of the mother will allow for an honest and open conversation. End on a positive note, reiterating how the adoptive parents want to give the child the best life he can possibly have, surrounded by family, love and support.
Siblings
One benefit of choosing adoption is for an adoptive child to have new siblings if there are other children in the home. Some households may adopt more children in the future, giving those children the chance to grow up in a positive and nurturing surrounding. A drawback to having siblings in some cases is jealousy--especially if there is a biological child already in the family. Either sibling may feel jealousy of the other based on attention or the fact that an additional child has been added to the family structure.
Losing the Child
In many adoptions, there is always a chance the birth mother could change her mind about the child. Each state has different laws. Some state laws are effective immediately after the biological mother signs the adoption papers relinquishing her parental rights. Other states allow birth mothers up to 6 months after the birth to change her mind. While these laws are benefiting the biological mother, the drawback is that the adoptive family risks losing the child and the emotional effects can be heart wrenching.
