Reasons Why a Birth Mother Might Choose Closed Adoption in Oklahoma

As a young woman or girl facing an unplanned pregnancy in Oklahoma, you must have a lot on your mind. A lot of questions about how to address your situation, no doubt. You might be considering adoption, but as you do research and learn more about adoption, more questions arise. Which type of adoption should I choose? How do I make that decision? How will it affect me and my baby?

Adoption Choices of Oklahoma has been helping women and girls like yourself for decades. We understand that, when it comes to choosing a type of adoption, there’s no one-size-fits-all. It all depends on your individual needs and preferences.

The Three Types of Adoption in Oklahoma

There are three different types of adoption: closed, open, and semi-open. The type of adoption you choose will determine how much contact you’ll have with your child following the adoption process. If you choose closed adoption, you’ll have no contact with the adoptive family. You won’t be allowed to visit nor reach out to your child. If you choose open adoption, you’ll be able to communicate with the adoptive family. You can receive pictures of your child as he or she grows, and you can attend family events. If you choose semi-open adoption, you’ll have a limited amount of contact with the adoptive family and, thus, a limited amount of contact with your child.

Reasons Why You May Choose Closed Adoption in Oklahoma

Closed adoption used to be the only option available for pregnant women considering adoption. Open adoption has become popular in recent years, but some birth mothers and adoptive parents may still prefer closed adoption. Here are two common reasons why a birth mother might choose closed adoption:

• Closure

Depending on you and your situation, closed adoption can give you a sense of closure. It can make moving on easier.

Some birth mothers choose open adoption in Oklahoma because they want reassurance. They want to know that their child is doing well. Not knowing may be unbearable for them. Other birth mothers, however, may find watching their child grow up from afar unbearable. It might be too painful to see their child with another family.

Many birth mothers want to focus on returning to their everyday life. Constantly seeing or thinking about their child may prevent them from doing that. Closed adoption allows them to trust that their child is in better hands and that there’s no need to worry about him or her.

• Privacy and Security

Closed adoption puts more distance between the birth mother and the adoptive family. It provides more security and privacy for both sides. A birth mother may want this extra distance and privacy to protect herself or her child.

If a birth mother is from an abusive or difficult background, she may consider closed adoption to put some distance between her child and the dangerous situation. A birth mother may also consider closed adoption if she is a sexual assault survivor and/or if her child was conceived through rape or incest.

Will You Choose Closed Adoption in Oklahoma?

Adoption Choices of Oklahoma works with an assortment of birth mothers. Each has their own unique circumstances; each has their own wants and needs. We can offer advice, but we can’t tell you whether closed adoption is the right choice or not. You’ll have to do some soul-searching to figure out what’s better for you and your child.

Think about what you want or need. Think about what your child needs. Will seeing your child as he or she grows up make things easier for you or harder for you? Are you able to completely put your faith in the adoptive family’s hands, or do you need the reassurance and certainty that comes with open adoption? Are there circumstances in your life that make closed adoption a better option? Take the time to think these questions over. If you need help, we can help you find the answer.

Adoption Choices of Oklahoma is a private adoption agency, licensed by the state of Oklahoma and 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: 405-310-8790 | Email

Meet the Author: Heather Valenzano is an up-and-coming content creator with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and a minor in English. After graduating from Iona College in 2019, she got an internship – and then a part-time job – writing blogs and managing social media accounts for Hip New Jersey, a lifestyle website owned by Long Shot Productions. She has also produced website and social media content for CommonPage, an external collaboration platform.

When she isn’t working, Heather enjoys watching crime shows like Forensic Files or posting book reviews to OnlineBookClub.org under the username “LavenderLiterature2.”