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Dusty's Adoption Story

I first became a mother at the age of 16. Since then, I have been on my own struggling to support a family. I finished high school, but college has been hard. I am so much different than the average person and refuse to be part of the statistics by not finishing school. I have a strong will and an undying need to help people and to use my potential to better the world. Also, and most importantly, I don‘t want to see my family struggle because of my circumstances. I have so much to give, but I know that I have to work hard to be able to reach my goals and aspiration. Returning to school is not only important to me to satisfy my own selfish desires, but to all of the people I can touch along my journey through this life.

Dusty’s adoption story
I had my first child at 16. I honestly can not decide if it is bad choices or God’s will, but I was using birth control methods (everyone in the books) and continued getting pregnant. Six years later, I found myself raising a 6 year old, a 2 year old, and a 1 year old and pregnant again! My patience was tested as it was. There was no way I could take on the responsibility of another child. That’s when my boyfriend of seven years and I decided to call about adoption. We were stressed in every possible way, financially, physically, and emotionally. American Adoptions helped us in every aspect. They made the adoption process so much easier than I ever thought it would be. Alli took my hand and held it every step of the way even though she was miles away. I know now that if it was bad choices or God’s will, either way, everything happened the way it should.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is American Adoptions the right adoption agency choice for many birth mothers?

American Adoptions is one of the largest licensed adoption agencies in the United States. Each year, we work with thousands of women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy and offer assistance to these women. Our large, caring staff is able to assist you seven days a week and provide you with one-on-one counseling about your pregnancy and available options.

You should choose an adoption agency where you feel completely comfortable with their services and staff. With American Adoptions, you will work with an Adoption Specialist who is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Adoption Specialist will be your advocate and will provide support and guidance as you create an adoption plan that is right for you.

How will the family tell my child about me and the adoption when my child is older?

Each family has their own style of introducing adoption to the child. When you are matched with an adoptive family, you can ask them this question. If you would like your Adoption Specialist to discuss it for you, just let her know. He or she can share your wishes or provide good ideas from other adoptive families.

You will also be able to share what you want your baby to know about you. You can complete a keepsake booklet to share hobbies, stories, photos of you and your family and a letter to your baby. The adoptive family can provide this to your child as he or she grows older. Be as creative as you like! Some birth mothers have even knitted a special blanket as a gift to their baby or given a similar symbol of their love.

The father of your baby can fill out the birth father's keepsake booklet or write a letter too. You may have other family members who would also like to share photos or a letter to the baby. This is your opportunity to pass on your and your family's love and to share your personality, history and reasons for choosing adoption. The adoptive family will treasure whatever information you provide and will share it with the baby at an appropriate age. In most adoptive homes, the word adoption is in the child's vocabulary early on, and adoption is celebrated in their lives.

Additional Resources

Teen Pregnancy - Information for Young Women

While not every woman who chooses adoption is a young mother, many are. Through adoption, many young women have found an ability to give their babies the best life possible, while finding the opportunity to realize their own dreams, as well. Call American Adoptions today at 1-800-ADOPTION.

Adoption Glossary

Do adoption terms and phrases leave you feeling confused? Learn the meaning to key adoption words and phrases with our comprehensive adoption glossary.

The Best for Her Babies - Why One Birth Mother Doesn't Regret Her Decision

Lindsey was already the mother to one baby with special needs when she found herself pregnant again. A single mom in the midst of a divorce, she knew adoption was the way to give both her daughters what they deserved.

Read the Story