Combatting Common Adoption Misconceptions in Florida

August 18, 2021

By Adoption Choices of Florida

Combatting Common Adoption Misconceptions in Florida

Adoption brings along many misconceptions. We understand that placing a child for adoption and adopting a child is already an overwhelming journey. Any and all of these misconceptions can become further harmful to the adoption process. To combat these misconceptions we should address them.

At Adoption Choices of Florida, we recognize that reading through some of these misconceptions can be heavy or triggering. Our intention is to highlight these common misconceptions to bring more awareness about them so that they don’t interfere with the adoption processes of birth and/or adoptive parents. Our support team of caring professionals are available 24/7 to any birth mother harmed by these misconceptions.

Placing a Child For Adoption Can Cause Misconceptions about Birth Parents

Birth parents are integral to the adoption journey. That’s why misconceptions regarding birth parents can be significantly dangerous to the Florida adoption process. One of such misconceptions includes birth moms. The birth mom can often be portrayed as a bad, selfish, and/or careless mother for deciding to place their child for adoption.

This negative connotation and connection can be so hurtful for birth moms and even the Florida adoption process. Adoption is one of the most difficult decisions to make as a birth mother because birth moms bravely decide to give a piece of themselves away to brighten the lives of someone else.

There are many different reasons why birth mothers may choose to go through with an adoption. But whatever their reason may be, the root of their decision lies in selflessness and utmost care for their babies.

This harmful misconception can steer birth mothers away from considering adoption at all which makes it even more important to combat this. Misconceptions like these should not force mothers to consider keeping their children in an undesirable situation. Especially when many loving and caring adoptive families are eagerly waiting to welcome a baby into their life.

Another misconception about the birth parents is actually regarding the birth family. This misconception involves the fear that the baby can be taken away by relatives and other birth family members.

This misconception exists especially because there is a lack of education regarding adoption laws. Adoption in Florida terminates the legal rights of birth parents. Thanks to this rule, the baby cannot be taken away by the birth family. It would be illegal and hold consequences if birth parents or other relatives were to try to take the baby away from the adoptive parents.

Adoption in Florida: Misconceptions Regarding Adoptive Parents

Misconceptions are not only regarding birth parents. Misconceptions about adoptive families exist as well. One of such misconceptions is that the adoptive parents won’t love the adoptive baby as their own. This is a common misconception and can be harmful to adoptive parents

Many of the families waiting to adopt have to wait quite a long time for something they endearingly yearn for, a baby that will complete their family. A lot of times adoptive parents have already tried to have a baby in a natural way or have tried different procedures to get pregnant, such as IVF, before coming to the arduous decision to adopt.

Many adoptive parents have also had to go through the painful experience of miscarriages. And even after coming to the decision to adopt, they have to wait for even more to finally welcome a baby into their family.

For all these reasons and more, there’s no doubt that adoptive families will take care of the adopted baby as their own. They will surely protect, love, and care for their baby just like any other family.

Adoption is not the second-best choice. Adoption is for anyone who chooses to opt for this journey! That’s why it’s important to combat the misconception that mostly infertile or LGBTQ couples choose adoption. Keep in mind that a wide range of families consider adoption. Such as, fertile couples, single parents, and couples who may already have children of their own.

Another misconception is that adoption is a measure of last resort and is not the first choice for adoptive parents. This is an invalid assumption and misconception. Surely, many couples do try to conceive on their own. But, it’s crucial to remember that there are many couples who have considered the option of adoption.

General Misconceptions About Adoption in Florida

A very common misconception regarding adoption is the idea that it’s better if the adoptive children don’t find out if they’re adopted. This misconception is crucial and must be combatted.

Whatever the type of adoption is collectively agreed upon by birth parents and adoptive parents, it’s important to let the adopted child know their adoption story.  The adoption process and adoption stories deserve to be shared with pride and contentment.

Hiding the child’s adoption story would imply shame and there should be no shame in sharing the adoption story. If parents decide on keeping the adoption a secret, this can make the child think that their adoption is something that should stay hidden about their identity. Or, one-day parents may decide to tell them. Such an important aspect of their life is revealed in a sudden manner can be devastating and extremely confusing for the child. It may even lead them to make a harsh decision.

Let your adoptive children know their adoption story just like you would tell them any other stories. They should know about how they were adopted as early as possible so that it is a natural part of their upbringing.

Private FL Adoption Agencies Near Me

It would be heartbreaking to see a deterred decision regarding adoption due to misconceptions.

Especially because that could mean that birth parents would have to raise their baby in unfortunate circumstances. It could mean that adoptive parents would not be able to lovingly welcome a baby into their family. Consequently, it would also mean that a child would be deprived of a loving home and family. A child who is deserving of all of that love, care, and so much more.

But, it shouldn’t be that way! At Adoption Choices of Florida, we understand what a negative impact can be left because of stereotypes and misconceptions about adoption. Our hope is that the more information that is spread regarding the issue, the more awareness will be created.

If this article has helped to combat some of the misconceptions that you may have had and you are now feeling comfortable with the idea of adoption, give us a call and let us get started on your adoption journey today!

If you are a pregnant woman in Florida considering adoption and have any questions or concerns about the adoption process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. For more information on adoption, visit us at Adoption Choices of Florida or call us at: (833) 352-3678

Ifrah M