Nearly 70,000 children are adopted in the United States each year, including 8,000 international children and 10,000 children with special emotional or physical needs. When deciding to adopt, couples should allow themselves time to accept their fertility-related loses before adopting. The option of adoption should be investigated early in the infertility evaluation, since the process can take several years and some agencies have parental age requirements. Adoptions may be arranged through an adoption agency or independently. Independent adoptions usually involve an adoption attorney or other intermediary such as a counselor, physician, or minister.
Adoption laws vary significantly from state to state.
Adopting between states is possible but more complex. Keeping adoption a secret from an adopted child is generally not a good idea. Adoption costs vary widely. Public agency adoptions are often less expensive than private agency or independent adoptions, although private adoptions may take less time. All adoption fees, along with an explanation of the costs involved, should be obtained in writing prior to proceeding.