As an adoptive parent in Wisconsin, you have the choice to adopt domestically or internationally. Each has advantages and drawbacks, and only you can choose which will work best for your family. At Mayer Law Office, we know that you have probably heard a lot of inaccurate information regarding domestic adoption. Debunking the myths will help you to make an informed decision on the basis of facts.
The National Infertility Association has collected a number of common and misleading myths regarding adoption and also provided the truth regarding them.
Many unwanted babies are available to adopt domestically: MYTH
Deciding to put a child up for adoption does not mean that the birth mother does not want the baby. Rather, it means that she recognizes that she is not able to parent the child and has made the difficult decision to put her baby up for adoption in order to give him or her the best possible chance for a happy and stable life. In other words, regardless of how many or how few babies are available for domestic adoption, none of them are unwanted.
The birth mother can take back the baby: MYTH
This one is a little tricky; once the birth mother has signed the Consent To Place a Child for Adoption and the child is in the care of the adoptive family, the birth mother cannot take the child back unless there is evidence that she did not sign the consent of her own free will.
Nevertheless, it is true that, prior to the baby’s birth, the biological mother can change her mind and decide not to place the child for adoption. There is also a 72-hour window following the baby’s birth during which the birth mother can change her mind about signing the consent.
Adoption is an easy process: MYTH
Following the background checks, interviews and home visits involved to determine that you are eligible to adopt, then begins the matching process, which can take up to two years. Despite what you may have heard, therefore, adopting is neither easy nor inexpensive.
Domestic adoption is one possible way that you can build your family, but it is best to go into it with an accurate idea of what to expect. More information about adoption is available on our website.
