10 Reasons to Consider Adopting

Adoption can be a fantastic way for couples to start a family of their own without conceiving biological children. However, taking the leap can be difficult and daunting.

Fortunately, as technology continues to become more powerful and adoption processes improve, adopting continues to get easier for parents. Today, we're taking a look at ten reasons you should consider adopting in 2020.

Reason #1: You Can't (or Don't Want to) Have Biological Children

For couples who can't have children, adopting can facilitate the expansion of the family.

Infertility is a common hurdle for couples. Studies suggest that around 12-15% of couples are infertile, and fertility treatments don't always work.

Similarly, many women suffer from conditions that could make pregnancy dangerous to the mother, the baby, or both. Severe maternal morbidity (SMM) affects more than 50,000 women in the US every year.

Finally, some parents may not want to pass down genetic disorders or diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, to their children.

For any couple with these concerns, adoption can provide a path forward. Whether you choose to engage in an open or closed adoption (you can learn more about the different types of adoption by reading this blog, adopting a child can allow you to circumvent these issues and start a family of your own.

Reason #2: You're a Single Person Who Wants a Family

Marriage isn't for everyone. Younger people, in particular, are getting married later and later. However, just because you don't want (or haven't found) a life partner yet, doesn't mean you have to abandon dreams of parenthood.

Many states allow single parents to adopt children. If you want to embark on the journey of caring for and raising a child, adoption enables you to achieve that goal without getting married first.

Reason #3: You're in a Same-Sex Relationship and Want to Become Parents

Same-sex couples often choose between adoption and the IVF process, which enables one parent to have a biological child (who is often then adopted by the other parent in the relationship. If participating in the IVF process isn’t right for your situation, adopting a child is a great way to start the journey towards parenthood!

Reason #4: Providing an Option for a Mother with an Unwanted Pregnancy

Not all pregnancies are intended. Some pregnant mothers might consider the adoption process as a way to provide their child with a supportive and loving family. . Adopting a child can simultaneously facilitate your dream of starting a family while saving a child from a lifetime of uncertainty in an orphanage.

Reason #5: You Want to Adopt a Relative

There are several instances where the state will ask individuals to adopt a relative. If a child is orphaned or an organization like Child Protective Services (CPS) deems the parent(s) unfit, the state often looks to family members for help before introducing the child into the state's foster care system.

If a relative's child needs care, stepping in as the adoptive parent can allow you to be a guardian while forging stronger bonds with your family members.

Reason #6: You Want to Adopt a Stepchild

If you're a stepparent who has become a large part of your stepchild's life, adoption allows you to become their legal adoptive parent.

For many stepparents, adoption is more than just a symbol of love. Becoming an adoptive parent also affords you more legal rights, enabling you to protect your stepchild and ensure that they have the best life possible. Adopting a stepchild can also make the family bond stronger.

Reason #7: You Want to Adopt an Adult

We often think of adoption as a process that occurs between a parent and child, but that's not always the case. Sometimes, older parents form strong bonds with young adults in difficult situations. In other instances, individuals find themselves acting as the primary caretaker for an adult.

Under such circumstances, adoption affords both parties certain legal rights that can be incredibly useful and allow the adopter to watch over and protect the adoptee.

Reason #8: You Want to Give a Child a Better Life

For children in national and international foster care systems, life can be challenging. This is especially true of children located in impoverished countries, or who have suffered abuse before being introduced into the foster care system.

Adopting allows prospective parents to give children living in difficult circumstances a new lease on life. Having a home base and parents can be incredibly formative for children. As a prospective adoptive parent, you can give a child the love and care they deserve, empowering them to lead a full, happy life.

Reason #9: You Want to Balance Population Growth

As more and more people become aware of the overpopulation of the world, parents are increasingly turning towards adoption as a way to help make life on earth more sustainable. Adopting can be a fantastic alternative for individuals who’ve always wanted to be parents but don't feel comfortable contributing to the world's overpopulation.

Reason #10: You Want to Adopt an Older Child

Many adoptive parents seek out young children, but not all. If you want to give an older child more opportunities or avoid the infancy stages of parenting, adoption might be the right option for you.

At Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers, our lawyers can help you find the best path towards parenthood.

To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact us online or via phone at (940) 293-2313.