I read a post on Facebook of a friend of mine. “Please send your thoughts, prayers, good vibes our way today. We are hoping to finally adopt.”

I was elated for her. She and her husband are loving people who have not been able to have their own children. They have waited and hoped for a long time that somehow they would be able to welcome at least one child to their family.

I have more than half a dozen friends who are waiting to adopt.. You might hear “there are too many children in the world” but it doesn’t feel that way to them. No. They wait daily for a phone call that might tell them that their lives are forever changed.

Business Library reports that “there are up to 36 couples waiting to adopt for every one baby placed for adoption.”

In the USA, there are approximately two million infertile couples waiting to adopt, many times regardless of the child’s medical problems such as Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida, HIV infection or terminally ill.

If you ever think you could never think of adoption as an alternative birth plan, maybe it is time to give it some thought. Do you know how many parents are thankful for the gift of adoption?

Adoption gives life and a family to a child. You might think “I could never do that. I would always wonder what happened to my child.” You don’t have to wonder. If you choose, there are many families who would welcome an open adoption where you can receive photos and regular updates about your child. I have a friend who has an open adoption.  The birth mother is welcome in their home, invited to family gatherings, and can call. They are open to a birth mother being as involved as she wants. If that is not within your comfort zone then they also have closed adoptions where the child does not have to have any contact or knowledge about you. Just know you  have choices.

I want to thank the generous woman who chose to have her baby and gift my friend with so much joy. I want to encourage all of you thinking about adoption as an alternative to abortion to do some research. Call us at Free Women’s Clinic if you would like to speak to someone about your options.