By Allie Nowak

An unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming. Choosing adoption opens doors to so many options that can leave you wondering which outcome is the best. Adoption Choices of Nevada is available to help women throughout the entire adoption process. You may have no experience with adoption and have no idea where to start or all of your options. Adoption agency representatives can talk you through every step and explain what options you have. One of the biggest choices you will have to make is whether you want an open adoption or closed adoption. So many women questions- is one better than the other? This article will discuss the difference between open and closed adoption and which is “best.” 

What is open adoption?

Open adoption is when the adoptive family has your information and can contact you. Together, you will be able to establish a plan. How often you will be able to contact your biological child. What that post-placement contact looks like, and how involved you will be in their life. This option is best for birth mothers who still want to have a relationship with the child. For example, some women may feel an emotional attachment to the child, want to support them, or simply just show interest in their life. As the birth mother, you will be able to have preference over how much contact you wish to have with the child and find an adoptive family that matches your desires. You can also opt for a semi-open adoption which still allows you to contact the child but tends to be more restrictive. 

What is a closed adoption?

Closed adoption is when the birth mother wishes to have no contact with the adoptive family or biological child. There are many reasons women choose a closed adoption. Some women may find it too emotionally difficult to be a part of the child’s life or just might not feel comfortable having their identity shared with the adoptive family and child. This option allows the birth mother to place her child with a loving and caring family while keeping their privacy. There is no shame in choosing to put a child up for adoption, but it can bring out very vulnerable emotions that the birth mother does not want as public information. 

Which option is better for adoption? 

The short answer is- neither. Both options are entirely valid and are not more or less of a “right” option. The choice simply comes down to what the birth mother feels comfortable with, what allows the child to be safe and secure, and what the birth mother wants from the adoption experience. If you know, you still want some involvement in your child’s life and to be a known presence to them, exploring an open adoption may be the best way to go.

On the other hand, closed adoption may be the most suitable option if you do not feel comfortable being involved with the child or adoptive family. This is an important decision that takes a lot of time to consider and should be discussed with an adoption agency professional, loved ones, or a counselor. Ultimately, the choice is up to the birth mother, and neither option is wrong.

You should not feel rushed into a decision, and until legal documents are signed, no choice is permanent. If you decide halfway through your pregnancy that you want to be involved in the child’s life or don’t want to, you are completely allowed to back out and change your mind. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident with the decision you end up with. 

What Can I Do to Begin My Adoption Journey?

Take time to consider both open adoption and closed adoption. Our website offers more information on each topic and contact information to get in touch with an adoption agency near you. Other resources include blogs and testimonials from previous birth mothers who share their experiences with open-adoption and closed-adoption. Getting as much information as you can and discussing your choices with a professional is the best way to decide. 

Adoption Choices of Nevada has been providing adoption and surrogacy services across Nevada since 2012. You can 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)