Options for adoption
Things to consider when adopting
The decision to adopt a child is very unique for each and every couple. For many, thinking about or commencing adoption procedures often comes after many months (or years) of trying to conceive a baby (either naturally and/or through fertility treatments). For some, the decision to adopt is made after careful planning, because one or both partners are aware of physical conditions that prevent them from having a child of their own. Occasionally, a couple will consider adoption if they are aware of carrying a debilitating genetic condition that may be passed on to a potential biological child.
A few people will make a conscious decision to adopt children even if the are able to have healthy children of their own. This may be motivated by the desire to give another child a more positive life or to adopt the child of a relative. Other couples may already have their own children, but decide to adopt a child into their existing family.
The decision to adopt a child because of infertility in one or both partners in a relationship is often preceded by many hours of soul searching. For most couples, considering adoption involves a great deal of introspection and talking at length with each other and perhaps close friends and family and/or others who have adopted. Issues such as what adoption means to you, both as an individual and as a couple, and how you feel about adopting a child that is not biologically yours, can create mixed emotions. For some people, having a biological child is more important than parenting someone else's child, and perhaps a reason not to apply for adoption.
The first thoughts when considering adoption will often be accompanied by a true acknowledgement of not being able to conceive a baby with your partner (or perhaps using donor eggs or sperm, if these options were considered).