What Is a Closed Adoption? 

At one time, closed adoptions were the only form of adoption available. A closed adoption meant that the birth mother and the adoptive couple had no knowledge of one another.

The birth mother had no idea who adopted her child or where they went. The courts sealed the legal records, and there was no contact. A birth mother and her adopted child spent a lifetime wondering about each other.

The adoption process is very different today. Now, more adoptions are open or semi-open rather than closed.  Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of open or semi-open adoptions vs. closed adoptions.

A Closed Adoption

Only a small number of adoptions are closed today. There’s no contact between the birth parents and the adoptive parents, and no identifying information is shared, except that the adoptive parents usually receive health histories from the biological parents. 

The courts seal the original birth certificate, and all parties remain anonymous. There is no further communication.

Why Do Women Choose a Closed Adoption?

For some women, the privacy of a closed adoption is essential. If she is in an abusive relationship or fears for the safety of her child, she might choose a closed adoption. 

Some birth mothers also feel it would be easier to move on with their lives if they didn’t have contact with their child or the adoptive family in the future. They may feel that contact might be too emotional for them.

However, having no contact leaves many questions unanswered. The adoptee wonders who they resemble and struggles with their identity. Birth mothers question whether they made the right decision and worry about their child’s safety and care. 

Adoptive parents have few answers to the many questions their adopted child may ask. A closed adoption leaves everyone in the dark.

Is a Closed or Open Adoption Better?

The National Council for Adoption wanted to determine how an open or closed adoption plan affected the satisfaction and psychological outcome for mothers who chose adoption.. 

Although the number of women who participated in the survey was small, the outcome was conclusive: birth mothers who had contact with their adopted child had a much higher satisfaction rate with the adoption. They also adjusted better to the decision of relinquishing their child for adoption when there was contact..

Get More Information From Antioch Adoptions

The good news is that, as the birth mother, you get to choose the plan that is best for you. To learn more about the pros and cons of various adoption plans, talk with an adoption specialist at Antioch Adoptions. 

Your future is your choice. We’re here to help you set the course. We have two locations to serve you: Phoenix, AZ, and Redmond, WA. You can contact us online or call (425) 529-3943 to schedule a free and private appointment.