Adoption has been gaining attention as a national priority in the United States. More than 150,000 adoptions take place each year, but there are still 127,000 children waiting for adoption in the U.S. foster care system, as well as infants born to birth mothers not ready to parent. In light of Christ's command to care for orphans, the number of children without loving homes is more than just another social issue; adoption is a Christian concern.

Defined as the permanent, legal transfer of parental rights over a child from biological parents to adoptive parents, adoption is an important social practice that promotes the well-being of children, families and society. Though there are several different categories of adoption, every adoption scenario gives adoptive parents the same rights, responsibilities and joys as biological parents, and gives adopted children the same legal, social and emotional benefits of birth children.

Adoption positively impacts all those involved with the process. It gives birthmothers the assurance that their children will be raised in stable families, gives adoptive parents the joy of parenting, and gives children the opportunity to join a permanent family and grow up in a loving home. Adoption also promotes the social and economic well-being of our nation because an adopted child is less likely (than the child of a single mother) to grow up in poverty, more likely to obtain an education, and more likely to have an involved father.

Adoption is also connected to important social issues, such as the sanctity of human life and the definition of family. Adoption upholds the sanctity of human life by providing a positive alternative to abortion for birthmothers who feel unable to parent. Adoption contributes positively to family formation by creating the opportunity for children waiting in foster care to have a loving mother and father-replacing what the child has lost.

And yet, the adoption process has been recently burdened by initiatives that ignore its purpose and promote unrelated goals. Anti-life forces rarely mention adoption as a positive alternative to abortion, and same-sex advocates reject mother-father family structures as the model for adoptive families. It is no wonder then that the fundamental purposes of adoption have come under attack and that adoption has become a topic of political controversy.

Recognizing the importance of adoption and current political threats to the practice, We are passionately committed to not only promoting adoption among churches and families, but also to advocating adoption policies that promote and defend the well-being of children, parents and families.

If you are going to be the mother of a newborn and feel the need to give your child up for Adoption, read this:

1. Make sure you have a good support system.

If you are close to your family, they will be a resource to you as you make important decisions. You may also find it helpful to talk with a religious leader. In addition, consider visiting an agency that offers help for people dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. The agency should be able to offer free emotional support as well as information about all of your options.

2. What does your child deserve?

Ask yourself what kind of situation would best help your baby live a happy, healthy life. Which decision would most likely help your child have the life you envision for him or her?

3. Who will benefit the most from your decision - you or your baby?

Write down your different options. Then, under each option, list the reasons why that would be a good decision. When you're done, review the entire list. How many statements focus on "I" or "me," and how many focus on your baby? Of all the options, which would seem to benefit your child the most?

If you choose abortion <https://www.itsaboutlove.org/ial/ct/eng/site/pregnant/what-are-my-options/abortion/>, you may experience feelings of remorse and guilt. If you are a single parent, your child will have to live without the presence of a father in the home, and your choices for your own life will be more limited. If you choose to marry and raise your child, you may face difficult challenges and adjustments. If you choose an adoption plan, you will go through a grieving process. No decision is "the easy way out."

But there is hope. After visiting a Christian Family Service Adoption Agency, many women have felt confident and peaceful about their decisions. The assistance provided by qualified counselors is free and confidential. For more information, Go to planned parenthood on the Internet.