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Keyana's Adoption Story

I really don't know where to start, my journey started a long time ago. I was a 17-year-old run away drop out. I eventually moved back home once I found out I was preganant. My home life was extremely disfuntional with no support. Not sure when I decided to place my son for adoption, or even how the thought entered my mind, but I knew I couldn't allow his life to be like mine. I am of black heritage and placing a child for adoption isn't common in the black culture. Although I had no support to make this decision my son motivated me to move forward. Where I was weak I found strength in him. I wanted a better life for him. I am now 35 and preganant and in a wonderful relationship. Placing my son for adoption changed me and touched my soul in so many ways. He can never know the saddeness I feel to this day. Shortly afterward his birth and placement I obtained my GED and eventually graduated from college. I thought I could never have children again because of the hurt, fear, and emptyness. Yet I would do it all over again because in my heart of hearts I made the right decision. My son was placed with a caucasian family that myself and the birth father picked. The race was never a issue for me, only the quality of their family. He is now going to be 15 years old and will have a little sister soon. This was a closed adoption but I was able to know his name. I LOVE YOU ALWAYS JORDON.

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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