4 Myths About Interracial Adoption 

Choosing adoptive parents for your child is often one of the most stressful parts of the adoption process for a birth mother. This is often a time when many birth mothers are filled with doubt, which is only aggravated by societal pressures or pressure from loved ones. These tensions and the confusion and frustration that may result from them are just as prevalent in interracial adoptions, if not more so. Interracial adoptions, also known as transracial adoptions, are when a birth mother places their child up for adoption and a family of a different race subsequently adopts the child. These types of adoptions carry with them many myths that need dispelling. So if you are a birth mother considering an interracial adoption for your child, then this article is perfect for you. We want to dispel a few common myths so that you can ensure you’re making the right choice for you and your child without worrying about the many myths you may have heard of.  

Here at Adoption Choices of Oklahoma, we understand that each individual birth mother has their own concerns about the adoption process. Our job is to lend a compassionate ear and a shoulder to lean on so that you can feel secure in your decisions throughout the adoption process. When you choose us, you are choosing seasoned adoption professionals who want the best for you and your child.  

•  Myth 1: Adoptive Parents Won’t Love My Child The Same as a Child of Their Race

  This is a perfectly valid concern, but rest assured, most adoptive parents will love their adopted child with the same depth as if their child belonged to the same race. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, but you can trust that both you and your adoption specialist will carefully look through each parent profile so that you can be confident by the time your child is placed. That being said, understand that the people who choose to adopt a child have their own story, and for many of them, the adoption process yields a series of disappointments. These are parents who will most likely cherish the opportunity to smother your child with love and affection. True parental love transcends the barriers of race.

•  Myth 2: Interracial Adoptions Are Harmful
  
  This unfortunate myth thrives on societal ignorance towards both race and adoption. Put simply, there is nothing inherently harmful about interracial adoption. Despite racial differences, adoptive parents possess the same capacity for love as birth parents. Of course, raising a child of a different race has its challenges. Still, so long as the adoptive parents are ready and willing to openly discuss race, there is no reason to assume that interracial adoption will harm your child.
  
•  Myth 3: My Child Will Lose Their Culture

  This is a totally valid concern of any birth mother considering interracial adoption. That being said, your child cannot be stripped of their culture. It is impossible for many people of color to be separate from your culture because of the perceptions the outside world will have towards you simply based on your skin tone. Because of this, your child will always feel some sort of attachment to their race or culture because of the shared experiences people of color across this country all have. That being said, many adoptive parents understand the value of their child’s cultural and racial, or ethnic identity and actually go out of their way to ensure they feel close to this part of themselves throughout their life, whether it be by living in a diverse area, attending after school programs, or befriending other parents who have children of the same race as their child.

• Myth 4: My Child Will Feel “Other”

  Again, while this is a valid concern, there is no inherent reason that an interracial adoption will make your child feel like an outsider. This will fundamentally come down to the adoptive parents’ parenting style and their ability to address this part of your child’s identity. Fortunately for you, you have both the options and the resources to minimize the likelihood that your child will ever feel this way. You can always choose an open adoption that will allow you to play more of a role in your child’s life. If you go down this route, then you may be able to provide some insight and guidance for your child in regards to their racial identity. If this isn’t for you, you can still make a list of questions that you feel are necessary to ask prospective adoptive parents. Use these questions to narrow down your list of adoptive parents, and hopefully, by the end, you will feel confident in their ability to nurture this side of your child.  

Choosing Interracial Adoption 

We understand that the adoption process is challenging and that your life may be in a state of turmoil as you read this article. This is why we at Adoption Choices of Oklahoma ask that you take time to think about what would be best for you and your child before making any decisions. But, most importantly, we also ask that you take a step back and remember to be kind to yourself. This is a challenging time already, so don’t make it more difficult by being hard on yourself. We want you to take away from this article that your child will have a safe, happy, love-filled life regardless of whether or not you choose interracial adoption. 

At Adoption Choices of Oklahoma, we are committed to the well-being of you and your child both during and after the adoption process. Our specialists provide excellent information and service for everyone, regardless of circumstance. For questions regarding unplanned pregnancy options, how to put a child up for adoption, and much more.

Adoption Choices of Oklahoma is a private adoption agency, licensed by the state of Oklahoma and a leader in the adoption community. We have been assisting birth parents, children, and adoptive families in Oklahoma for over 19 years. Our staff members are committed to providing an ethical, empowering, and personalized adoption experience to all involved in the adoption process.  If you are currently in the process of adopting a baby and have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.
Toll-free: 800-898-6028 | OKC Local: 405-755-1999 | Tulsa Local: 918-447-7777 | Text: 405-201-6643| Email

Meet the author: David T. Garcia is currently a student at Syracuse University working towards his degree in English with a concentration in film. He is a resident of Northern New Jersey and spends much of his time in New York City, whether it be for business or pleasure. David is looking forward to graduation so he can begin his life and pursue his ambitions. He has dreams of moving out to New York City and working as a young professional in the content writing space while also working on his own screenplays. In his free time, David enjoys spending time with family as well as watching movies and reading books. He has a passion for travel and looks forward to new experiences.