What is Adoption?

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Steve, VO:

Few moments in life are more difficult and confusing than finding yourself unexpectedly pregnant. As you consider your options, it helps to gain a better understanding of one that is often the most misunderstood... adoption.

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Birthparents

Adoption: A loving, courageous, unselfish choice

Steve, VO:

Adoption provides a good solution to distressing problems faced by everyone involved in the process. Birthparents choose adoption because they love their children and want more for their children than they can provide for them. They want to assure a bright future and a loving, happy home for their children. In fact, adoption is a loving, courageous and unselfish choice.

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Adoptive Parents

Adoption is the only way they can become parents

Steve, VO:

Those who have adopted children do so because they are unable to conceive biologically. For them, adoption is the only way they will ever become parents. And anyone who has adopted will tell you that they couldn't imagine the child being any more a part of themselves or loving the child any more than if they had given birth to the child. The child is "their" child not their "adopted" child.

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Adopted Children

Adoption is permanent

Steve, VO:

Adopted children benefit as well, in a loving, happy, stable home. Unlike guardianship or foster care, adoption is permanent. Adopted children become the legal child of their adopted parents... a bond that creates security.

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Adoption is NOT:

•· Abandonment, because you choose who will parent your baby

•· Lack of love, because the child's needs are put above all others

Adoption IS...

A thoughtful decision

Steve, VO:

Here are a few things adoption is not. It doesn't mean you're abandoning your child, because you choose who will parent your baby. It doesn't mean you don't love your baby, because those who choose adoption truly put their child's needs above all others. Choosing adoption means that you come to a thoughtful decision that you can not provide what you want for your baby, and that you make a plan to place him or her with parents who can.

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No one will pressure you

Steve, VO:

If you're interested in learning more about this process, learn more by exploring this entire CD. Watch the video clips of women who faced the same decision you are facing now share their experiences. And realize that any time you want to talk to someone about the process, please call the number provided on the screen. No one will try to pressure you to make a choice, now or ever.

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Steve, VO:

Our goal is to provide you with information about your options so that you can make the decision that is right for you and your baby.

LINK TO VIDEO CLIP: Birthmoms Talk About Adoption