Adoption Myths – Part 1
Myth #1: Adoption means giving up, or giving away.
At New Life Adoptions, education is one of our key roles. Adoption is one of the most misunderstood social issues of our time. Perhaps because we are still plodding out of the shroud of secrecy and shame that has permeated illegitimate births in the last 4 decades, or because even if you have had a positive experience with adoption, you are still unaware of the brave and sacrificial decisions made by the birth parents for that child. In this 3 part series, we would like to highlight 3 Myths of Voluntary Adoption. Our goal is an increased awareness of the beauty that lies behind an adoption.
Myth #1: Adoption means giving up, or giving away.
Nothing is farther from the truth. We give away things we do not want. This language is out dated and is not reflective of the difficult decision a birth mother makes in the best interest of her child.
The term ‘put up for adoption” comes from the 1800’s when orphaned children rode the train through various towns and were “put up” on the platform to be selected by families. Birth mothers today do not “give up”, “put up”, or give away” their children. The make a very intentional and loving plan to give their children more. Adoption is one of the bravest things a mother will ever do. Sometimes the best decision a mother can make for her child is to choose a family to provide for her baby in a way that she is not able. She temporarily sets aside her own needs for what she believes are the best interests of the child. That is not giving up or giving away – that’s called being a mother- someone who is strong, brave, loving, selfless, and responsible.
Will you honor birth mothers all over the world by simply using correct terminology for adoption? You will be surprised how this may change your perception and the perception of others with whom you interact.
