Give Up My Baby For Adoption In Nevada Vs. Place My Baby Up For Adoption
Language is among the most powerful tools one can control. People can use it to tell stories, shape our world, and create arguments. By crafting a simple sequence of words, we can influence opinions and stir people to action. Such is the power of words.
While some might overlook the sway words have on people, we at Adoption Choices of Nevada understand how much they matter. We understand that changing a word or two in a sentence can impact how a sentence is perceived. It’s why we choose to be careful with our words when describing the adoption process so that the birth mother feels comfortable with her image. After all, positive language can help a birth mother be seen as a caring and compassionate individual who wants what’s best for her child. Conversely, negative terminology can make a woman seem like she’s irresponsible and uncaring.
One of the biggest hurdles in altering the image of the birth mother from selfish to compassionate is the term “give up.” Just reading those two words gives people a sense of failure, and such is the view when mothers “give up” their babies for adoption. It’s the reason why we try not to use that term to diminish the stigma surrounding adoption. We can’t do this alone, however. It’s up to others to also alter their use of language, hence the reason we offer this guide on the differences between “give up” and “place.”
Give Up My Baby For Adoption In Nevada Vs. Place My Baby Up For Adoption. Is there a difference?
When people say they will “give up” something, it sounds like they’re cutting an object or habit out of their life. This can range from the seemingly benign, such as sweets, to something serious like smoking. Considering the lack of unwanted pregnancy options women had in the past, this makes sense. They were often forced to place their child up for adoption of their own volition and told never to think about them. When considering this history, it makes sense that we’d want to move past the term. The Nevada adoption process has changed considerably over the past 50 years, and women now have greater control over their bodies. They have a say in choosing where their baby goes. They can choose to be active in their child’s life after the Reno adoption (provided they go with an open adoption plan).
When it comes to “place” instead of “give up,” it must be acknowledged that the use of the former term is still relatively new. As a result, there’s no definitive information on how effective the term is in altering the perception of adoption. However, with that being said, the connotation is different. Place suggests a person has control over whatever process they are a part of. Placing a baby up for adoption, in particular, suggests a voluntary action taken by the mother. Such an act might not be altruistic, but neither does it suggest a negative motivation.
Why Does it Matter What Term I Use?
Can two words make a difference in how we perceive information? Most definitely! In the case of adoption, this is especially true. As mentioned, “giving up” a baby has a rather negative connotation that suggests passivity. More importantly, it fails to represent the process you go through as a birth mother because you’re not giving up. Instead, you’re playing an active role in determining the best possible outcome for your child. If we switch “give up” to “place,” a much different reaction is established. The place still maintains a semblance of passivity, but it’s clear that you have control over your choice. In addition, it emphasizes the reality that you are looking out for your baby as you pursue your unwanted pregnancy options.
The Importance of Positive Adoption Language
Regardless of which local adoption agency you work with, the adoption process can be difficult for birth mothers. It doesn’t help when we use terms like “give up,” as it can make it feel like the birth mother is not part of the process. In today’s world, this simply isn’t true. Birth mothers are key to directing the adoption process. This reality is why many adoption agencies work hard to alter their vocabulary.
Adoption Choices of Nevada and many other agencies across the country do not wish for birth mothers to be seen as failures. We strive to change the negative perception of birth mothers and show them who they are. And what is that? It’s simple. Birth mothers are loving and caring people who just try to do what’s best for their children. Because of this reality and the difficulty of placing a child up for adoption, you deserve to be treated with respect. That starts with the implementation of positive adoption language.
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) | 775-884-4673 (Carson City).