Pregnancy Services: Relationship Options

At WHFC, you will be able to choose the relationship you want with your child's adoptive family. Communication between you and the adoptive parents can range from complete anonymity to ongoing, direct contact. The level of openness in any adoption is a personal decision. You will receive counseling to help you make the best decision given your personal circumstances. There are several options for you to consider:

An Open Adoption allows birth parents and adoptive parents to have the freedom to interact without the involvement of the agency. Identifying information is shared and you stay in contact with the family and your child over the years, through visits, telephone calls, and letters.

A Semi-Open Adoption includes sharing of non-identifying information between the birth parents and the adoptive family through the adoption agency. The agency facilitates an initial meeting of the expectant parent(s) and adoptive family, prior to the birth of the baby. Only first names are exchanged. Letters, photographs, and gifts may be shared through the agency. If you wish to have post-placement meetings with your baby, these too would be arranged by the agency.

In a Confidential Adoption, you and the adoptive parents never know on another. Birth and adoptive parents share only medical and social background (non-identifying) information before placement; however, there are no plans for any further sharing of information or contact. Birth records are closed at the time of adoption. Opening confidential adoption records is regulated by state law.

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