Ann's Adoption Story

I was 23 years old when I found out I was pregnant. When my doctor told me I was two months pregnant, I was in shock and I didn't know where to turn. I was sure that I could physically care for a child — but not mentally or financially. I knew that I couldn't keep my baby, and abortion was just not an option for me.

That's when I called American Adoptions. I spoke with an understanding social worker that knew exactly what I was going through. She listened to my concerns and explained how the adoption process works. She never pushed me to make a decision; she just listened to me until I knew that placing my baby for adoption was the right choice — not just for me but for my baby.

They let me look at picture profiles of adoptive parents so that I could choose who would raise my baby. I finally chose a young couple that had both the financial means and desire to raise a child but not the ability to have one themselves. I knew in my heart that this was the best option for my child. I would never have to worry if she had enough food, a place to live, or clothes on her back. I knew that she would always be taken care of and that assurance was more than I could possibly dream of giving to her. I didn't know where I was going in life, and I knew that I couldn't make decisions for another human being as well.

At the hospital, I met the adoptive family. I knew as soon as I saw them look at my baby that they would love her unconditionally, as if she were their own. They looked like they belonged together and once again my feelings were confirmed.

This was beyond a doubt the best thing I could do for my daughter. My daughter is now nine months old. Her adoptive family has sent me letters and pictures, just to let me know that she's doing okay. Sometimes people ask me if I regret placing my baby for adoption and, honestly, I never have. I'm not saying it wasn't hard to do — it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do — but I know in my heart it would have been much more difficult to try to provide for a child that I know I wasn't ready for. It would have been even harder for my baby.

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