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"I Was Scared But Grateful" - How Adoption Helped Hannah Out of an Abusive Relationship

Hannah is a brave birth mother who chose adoption to give her baby a life full of love and opportunities. If you feel inspired by her story, contact us today or call 1-800-ADOPTION to get free information about the adoption process.

My senior year of high school, I found myself in an abusive relationship. I left for college with the illusion of being in a loving and healthy relationship. After going back home for winter break, I returned to school and found myself pregnant. I was scared but grateful because this miracle of a baby made my boyfriend break up with me. I was all set to give up my scholarship, move back home (which meant going from Colorado to Minnesota) after the pregnancy announcement and have this little girl.

When I was home and about 28 weeks pregnant, reality started to hit. The only way I could protect this angel of a baby from her father was to give her to a family who could provide her with a safe home. Even though he showed no interest and hadn’t reached out in over five months, I still had to protect her.

My grandma had sent me information about American Adoptions and the link to their website early on in my pregnancy. I also was able to look at some families. I went through hundreds of families until I was sure I found the right one. My first family I liked actually adopted a day before I saw them online. However, the family I moved forward with could not have been more perfect and I knew one minute into their video that they were the ones for me. They already had an adopted son, so it was the perfect family of four.

I had them at the hospital with me, and we got to meet her an hour after she was born. They send me pictures all the time, and I get to see her once a year. I wouldn’t change a thing because I know how happy she is and that she has the safe, loving home I wanted for her. We are both extremely blessed.

Ready to find out what adoption can do for you and your baby? Contact us today at 1-800-ADOPTION to get free information and support.

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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