Many women facing an unexpected pregnancy overlook the third option, adoption. Movies and television often misrepresent how adoption really works. It can be difficult to picture bringing a baby into the world and then placing that baby with another family.
You might have concerns like:
- “What if that family doesn’t take good care of my baby?”
- “What if I live the rest of my life wondering what happened to my child?”
Those are normal questions, but they don’t necessarily mean adoption isn’t right for you. All they prove is that you already have maternal feelings for the baby inside you. It means that you are already becoming a loving mother, whether you will raise your child or entrust him or her to a loving adoptive family.
It is helpful to know that there are 3 common types of adoption: open, semi-open, and closed.
Open Adoption
In an open adoption, you can meet and get to know the family who will be adopting your child while you are still pregnant. You will make a plan together, and it’s possible to arrange for letters, phone calls, and even face-to-face visits. As your child grows, you can continue to stay in touch and be a regular part of his or her life, if you choose.
Semi-Open Adoption
In a semi-open adoption, you can choose the adoptive parents from a profile, most often provided to you by an adoption agency. These profiles often contain pictures, references, and a personal note from the couple to help you choose a family. Any letters or contact between you and your child would take place through your relationship with the agency.
Closed Adoption
In a closed adoption, you won’t meet or have contact with the adoptive parents. This option can be preferable if you’re concerned about your privacy.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions and are looking for support, feel free to give us a call or schedule an appointment online.
Gentle Care
Phone: (614) 469-0007
Address: 380 E. Town St., Columbus, OH
Adoption Circle
Phone: (614) 237-7222
Address: One Americana, Suite 304, 400 S 5th. Columbus, Ohio 43215 – Toll Free: 1-800-927-8484
Fax: 614-237-8484
Website: www.adoptioncircle.org
Adoption Link
Phone: 1 (800) 643-3356
Local representatives will schedule an appointment for you in the Columbus area.
A Child’s Waiting
Phone: (866) 937-2367
Address: 3490 Ridgewood Rd. Akron Oh 44333
Adoption agency and counseling services
Catholic Social Services
Phone: (614) 221-5891
Address: 197 E. Gay St. 2nd Floor 43215
Toll Free: 1-800-536-5891 – Provides adoption support.
CHASK
Phone: (208) 267-6246
Address: P.O. Box 15902 43215
Website: http://www.chask.org/
Provides placements for babies with special needs.
CHASK Hotline for Birth-Families
Phone: 1 (800) 266-9837
Franklin County Children’s Services
Phone: (614) 341-6000
Address: 855 W. Mound St. 43223
Adoption agency and support
Alpha Psychiatric Services
Phone: (614) 436-5070
Address: 6827 N. High St. #121 43085
Provides counseling. Accepts insurance.
Life Counseling Services
Phone: (614) 239-9965
Address: 760 S Yearling Rd. 43213
Provides counseling services.
Touchstone Counseling Services
Phone: (614) 885-2461 ext 4
Address: 733 E. Dublin-Granville Rd. 43229
Contact: Mary Byerly
Provides counseling services.
ADOPTION ATTORNEYS
John Shady
Phone: (614) 436-5424
Address: 132 Northwoods Blvd. 43235.
Helps couples wishing to adopt a child.
Rosemary Pomeroy
Phone: (614) 855-2101
Address: 120A Northwoods Blvd. 43235.
Susan Garner Eisenman
Phone: (614) 222-0540
Address: 3363 Tremont Rd. Suite 304 43221.
Thomas Taneff
Phone: (614) 241-2181
Address: 600 S. High St. Suite 201 43215.
