The Adoption Alternative

Both parenting and adoption have a Biblical basis. There are many passages in Scripture concerning the family and the roles of raising their children. Adoption is described in the Bible from two perspectives.

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 There are several examples of children who were adopted. Moses (Exodus 2:1-8), Samuel 1:24-2:11), and   Esther (Esther 2:5-7) were raised by someone other than their birth parents.
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 The Bible also uses the metaphor of adoption to describe how God’s people become a part of His family. (See  John 1:12,13; Romans 8:15-17, 22-23; Galatians 4:4-7).
It is important to consider all options when facing a crisis pregnancy. Healthy reasons for adoption include:
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 The inability to provide a father figure for the baby
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 Not feeling prepared to settle down to the responsibility of caring for a baby.
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 The realization that she cannot provide financially for a child.
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 The realization that she does not maintain a healthy level of self-esteem, and therefore, could not satisfy the mental and emotional needs of a baby.


All the Right Reasons

When a woman makes a decision for the right reasons, her decision will be based on internalized values, not external opinions. Her deepest convictions, which focus on her love for her unborn child, should be the foundation from which she makes a decision. Other convictions that focus on her fears, inadequacies, or guilt are on an inadequate basis for making a decision.

If she makes a decision based on feelings of inadequacy, fear, or a need to win the approval of others, she will have a difficult time living with her decision. A woman who says, “I am going to keep my baby because I know that this is the only way my boyfriend might still come and see me,” or “I should release my baby for adoption because I’ll probably be a horrible parent,” is not making a decision for the right reasons.

On the other hand, a woman who says, “I am going to keep my baby because I love this child and I think I will have the support necessary to be a good parent,” or I’m going go to release my baby for adoption because I really love her, and I feel that she needs two parents and a good home,” has made a decision based on good reasons and truly internalized values.