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If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be considering adoption. A closed adoption is a confidential type of adoption plan wherein there is no identifying information or contact shared between birth and adoptive families. This type of adoption plan is not the most common, but it can offer some unique benefits.
The most common type of adoption plan today is an open adoption. With an open or semi-open adoption, there is ongoing communication between birth and adoptive families. This level of openness may not feel right for you. If privacy is a concern, then closed adoption may feel more appropriate. Read on, as we share more information about closed adoption and how it compares to other types of adoption plans.
What Is Closed Adoption?
As the name suggests, a closed adoption is closed from communication with the adoptive family. This means there is no identifying information shared between the two parties. With closed adoption, there is also no contact between birth and adoptive parents. This may feel right for someone looking for anonymity and privacy.
How Closed Adoption Works
A closed adoption involves working with the adoption agency to match with a family that feels right for you. Or you may want the agency to choose the best familyyou’re your baby. Adoption records are legally closed in the finalization process. This method places an emphasis on privacy for birth parents, often giving a sense of a “blank slate” for both birth and adoptive families.
Closed Adoption vs. Open Adoption vs. Semi-Open Adoption
While a closed adoption keeps identifying information and contact between birth and adoptive families sealed, an open adoption is the opposite. It involves direct, ongoing communication between birth and adoptive parents – before and after the adoption is complete. A semi-open adoption falls somewhere in the middle. An expectant/birth parent looking for some privacy may choose their child’s adoptive parent(s), even choosing to meet them before the adoption. Once the adoption is complete, however, they may decide to keep communication between the adoption agency. This can provide a buffer between the two parties for a birth parent uncomfortable with the direct communication that an open adoption requires.
Why Do People Choose Closed Adoption?
Reasons Birth Parents Choose Closed Adoption
Birth parents choose closed adoption for many reasons. It may be in the hopes of maintaining a sense of anonymity and privacy. It may feel like the best way to close this chapter of their life and start anew. For some birth mothers, a closed adoption may feel like the best way to guard their heart, as seeing their child with the adoptive family can open an emotional wound. It could be that a closed adoption will help them move forward with their life as they work on their personal and professional goals. No matter the reason, there is no right or wrong choice when it comes to choosing an adoption plan.
No matter the reason, it is best to find an adoption agency that will respect and support your decisions. You can choose the adoption plan that works best for you, and you should feel free to do so with the help of your adoption agency, every step of the way.
The Pros and Cons of Closed Adoption
Advantages of Closed Adoption for Birth Parents
The benefits of closed adoption may feel like the reasons behind choosing a closed adoption. If you choose to make a closed adoption plan for your baby, you can consider the following advantages:
- You can rest assured that no one in your child’s life will contact you about your decision or relationships. With a closed adoption, privacy is maintained and respected by all parties.
- A fresh start. You can feel free to move on with your life, untethered and free to focus on your health and well-being, pursuing your personal passions – all while knowing your child is safe, cared for, and well-loved.
- A future of possibilities. While the adoption may be closed, adoption plans can be changed over the years. At Adoptions With Love, for example, photos and letters are kept on file, in case a birth parent decides to open the adoption later or just want to know more when they are ready. You can make a closed adoption plan with the peace of mind that it does not mean you have to keep the adoption closed forever.
Potential Challenges With Closed Adoption
Depending on your outlook, the following may be considered cons to choosing a closed adoption:
- No contact. While many might see this as a benefit, it can also feel, at times, like a disadvantage, as well. With a closed adoption, no one involved in the adoption may contact one another. This includes birth mothers contacting the adoptive family. You may feel, at times, that it would be nice to reconnect with your baby’s family.
- No relationships. Many advocates for open adoption would argue that the relationships built in an open adoption are the biggest benefits for all involved in the adoption triad. With a closed adoption, there is no relationship building, as there is no contact between birth and adoptive families.
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Long-Term Effects of Closed Adoption
Impact on Adoptees
Closed adoption can still have its benefits for the adopted child. Any adopted child is more likely to be read to, sung to, and told stories daily. The adopted child is more likely to have dinner with their family most nights of the week and be given plenty of opportunities and love. Most adopted children are happy with their life circumstances.
With an open adoption, children are spoken to early and often about their adoption. They are given age-appropriate information about their background and birth parent(s), and they have a keen sense of self. This boosts confidence, as there are no lingering questions regarding family roots or reasons for adoption.
A closed adoption may leave a child with questions about their birth parents’ identity. Many adopted children of closed adoption grow up to pursue their birth parent(s) in the hopes of finding answers. Even if you choose closed adoption, you can send your child a letter explaining your choice for adoption and this can give them the information they need.
Impact on Birth Parents
The long-term impact of closed adoption may be just as challenging for the birth parent(s), as well. If you keep an adoption closed, you may find yourself growing curious about your child over the years. It can become a weight to carry.
Can a Closed Adoption Be Opened Later?
Yes. A closed adoption may be opened later, at the approval of the birth parent(s) and the adoptive family.
Get Support Creating Your Adoption Plan
If you would like to learn more about creating an adoption plan for your baby – closed, open, or semi-open – reach out to Adoptions With Love today. Call (617) 964-4357, text (confidentially) 617-777-0072, or contact us online. We can offer you commitment-free information to help you make an informed, loving decision. We are here for you!