Understanding adoption

Some women may feel like adoption could be the best plan for their child. In this case, we will walk alongside you through the process while you remain in control every step of the way. We recognize that you may have other things going on in your life, so we also want to support you in making and achieving your life goals beyond your pregnancy.

Different Experiences

  • Everyone has different experiences with adoption.
  • You might know someone who was adopted or who has adopted a child.
  • You might have placed a child for adoption before.
  • You might be familiar with adoption through foster care but not private adoption.
  • You might not know much about adoption at all.
  • All of these experiences are okay!

Respectful Language

  • At Agape, we use respectful and neutral terms when talking about adoption.
  • Many women ask us about “giving up my baby for adoption.” But we prefer to say “making an adoption plan” or “placing your child for adoption.”
  • This highlights your active role in planning the adoption process.

Planning, Not Giving Up

  • Adoption is about making a thoughtful plan for your child’s best interests.
  • If you are pregnant and exploring options, we call you our client or expectant parent.
  • We understand you might change your mind as you learn more.
  • We use terms like “birth parent,” “biological parent,” or “first parent” only after you have completed the adoption process.
  • We will also use any term you feel most comfortable with.

Get the facts about adoption

Agape’s services are 100% free for expectant mothers.

We will never pressure you to commit to parenting or adoption. We discuss both options thoroughly, allowing you to make the best decision as you learn more.

Yes, we offer limited financial assistance. This support is funded by fundraisers, grants, and adoption fees, and it’s meant to help you achieve your long-term goals and independence. It’s not tied to any specific adoptive family, and you won’t need to repay it if your plans change.

Yes, parenting is almost always an option. We provide support tailored to your situation.

Absolutely. If you decide on adoption, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from several families and interview them through calls or meetings.

It is common to feel some doubt about your plan along the way. You can change your mind at any time and our support will remain the same.

Adoption is a permanent plan where your child is raised by an adoptive family you choose. Foster care is temporary care provided by a licensed family while you work toward your goals.

In Alabama, biological fathers have rights. We’ll discuss your situation confidentially and ensure legal procedures are followed.

All of our services are completely confidential. Many women do not feel safe or supported in their community when choosing adoption. While we encourage a supportive person in your life to know about your plan, it’s your decision.

We support ongoing contact between you, your child, and the adoptive family based on your preferences, which can evolve over time. You can always come back to Agape for help in changing your contact preferences.