Once a decision is made and the baby is born, the birth parents terminate their parental rights. They then have the option of ongoing contact with their child, either in person or through correspondence. The type and frequency of the contact is based on the mutual desires of the birth parents and the adopting parents, as well as the needs of the growing child. November is National Adoption Month. Lutheran Social Services is opening up its Domestic Infant Adoption and International Adoption programs to couples who want to adopt a child.
Infertility is a problem for many couples who long to be parents.
When paired with women who find they are pregnant and unable to care for their unborn child, adoption becomes a viable solution. Weber said at any given time there are about 100 families waiting for children to adopt through the Domestic Adoption Program in Wisconsin. About 70-75 are placed annually. Weber works with people who are willing to adopt through a number of programs. Open adoptions are becoming increasingly popular, she said.