By Tia Kitchens

That is a bit of a startling title, isn’t it? Sadly, there used to be a time when the main term for going through with adoption was “giving up your baby for adoption.” It was a really poor choice of words, and it is still being used today, despite there being a new term to take its place. Thankfully, words change over time, and today, there’s more positive adoption language that is associated with the adoption process. 

While our adoption professionals at Adoption Choices of Nevada no longer use the term “giving up for adoption,” we know that not everyone knows the correct term. With that being said, our adoption agency is here to explain why the answer to “Is adoption giving up?” is simply no.

Where did the Phrase, “Giving Up for Adoption” Come From?

The late 1800s is when the term “giving up for adoption” first appeared. This was during a really tough time in history when children were placed on stage and given up to landowners for money. Needless to say, it was a challenging time to be a parent. Financial wellness was at an all-time low. Back then, mothers had to decide what would be best for their child, longterm.

The term, “giving up for adoption,” started there, and from there, it stuck. It has a negative connotation to it, making it seem like adoption is a bad thing — particularly if you are a birth mother planning to rehome her baby. Thanks to the media and other social factors, this hasn’t really changed either. 

How “Giving Up” Has Been Used Until Recently

The media likes to add to the drama and give things the flare to pull at your heartstrings. How could a mother give up her child? If we had sound effects for these blogs, there would be a record scratch here. By indicating the mother “gave her child up,” it pulls at your emotions to feel bad for both parties and makes the adoptive parents the heroes of the story. 

Many adoption agencies are still using the term “giving up for adoption” in order to bring people in. This is partially due to the influence that media has. Why? Well, it comes down to what people know. You can’t be found if people don’t know what to look for. 

If you are a birth mother considering adoption, it’s important for you to know that you are not “giving up” your child for adoption. You are placing your child for adoption. Why the change in wording? Because you aren’t “giving up” anything to do this for your child. Giving up indicates a really negative outlook on the situation. It makes you, the birth mother, look bad, and it makes the adoptive parents look like heroes because they swooped in and adopted a child that was seemingly unloved. The truth of the matter is that that is the furthest thing from reality. 

The Better Adoption Term to Use

The correct term is, “placing your child for adoption.” You are not gicing anything up. A child is not something you “give up” or cast aside like you would an unwanted object. You are in control of your choices. You choose to put your baby up for adoption.  

Because of the love you have for your baby, you may decide that adoption is the right choice. We can assist you with making an adoption plan in many ways. You aren’t “giving up” on your child. You are choosing to love them so much that you’re putting their needs first.

Adoption is the act of choosing love. It’s important for you to know that you‘re making this decision solely with good intentions.

If you really look into adoption in Nevada, know that ur agency will assist your needs. Both you and the adoptive parents are on this journey together.

Is Adoption Giving Up?

As a birth mother, you should know that you are not giving up your baby, nor are you giving up on your baby. You never gave up on your child. You simply decided that you wanted to do what was best for them. That isn’t something that can be chalked up to giving up. 

If you make the choice to go through with adoption, that’s okay. You are making that choice with love. Every mother wants what’s best for their child. Now you know that the best term to use is “placing your child for adoption,” as that is what you did. Choosing adoption is not giving up. 

Adoption Choices of Nevada has been providing adoption and surrogacy services across Nevada since 2012. Our services in Reno, Nevada offer pressure-free adoption options. Call us to speak to someone now. Contact Us 24/7: 855-940-4673 (Toll-Free) | 702-474-4673 (Las Vegas) | 775-825-4673 (Reno) | 775-738-4673 (Elko).