What Is the Difference Between An Open and Closed Adoption?

Adoption is a complex and emotional process that involves a range of considerations, including legal, ethical, social, and emotional factors. In the United States, adoption practices have evolved over time, reflecting changing social norms, legal frameworks, and ethical principles. One of the key distinctions in adoption practice is between open and closed adoptions. In this blog post, we will explore the key differences between open and closed adoptions in the United States and the implications of these differences for the adoptive parents, the birth parents, and the adopted child.

Closed Adoption

A closed adoption is a form of adoption in which the birth parents and the adoptive parents have no contact or information about each other. In a closed adoption, the records and information related to the adoption are sealed and kept confidential, often for legal or privacy reasons. The adoptive parents have no obligation to maintain contact or provide information about the adopted child to the birth parents. Similarly, the birth parents have no right to contact the adopted child or the adoptive parents, and their identity is usually kept anonymous.

The main advantage of a closed adoption is that it provides a high degree of privacy and confidentiality for the birth parents and the adoptive parents. This can be particularly important for birth parents who may wish to keep their identity and personal circumstances confidential due to social stigma or other reasons. Similarly, adoptive parents may prefer a closed adoption to avoid potential conflicts or emotional ties with the birth parents.

However, the main disadvantage of a closed adoption is that it can result in a lack of information and emotional support for the adopted child, who may have questions about their origins, identity, and genetic heritage. The adopted child may also experience a sense of loss or rejection by their birth parents, which can lead to emotional or psychological issues. Moreover, the lack of contact and information about the birth parents can prevent the adoptive parents from understanding the child's genetic predispositions, health conditions, or cultural background.

Open Adoption

An open adoption is a form of adoption in which the birth parents and the adoptive parents have some degree of contact and communication with each other. In an open adoption, the records and information related to the adoption are not sealed, and the birth parents and the adoptive parents may exchange personal information and maintain a relationship over time. The level of openness and communication in an open adoption can vary depending on the preferences of the birth parents, the adoptive parents, and the adopted child.

The main advantage of an open adoption is that it provides more information and emotional support for the adopted child, who may have a better understanding of their origins, identity, and genetic heritage. The adopted child may also have a more positive view of their birth parents, who may be seen as making a courageous and loving decision to give them up for adoption. Additionally, the adoptive parents may benefit from having a more comprehensive understanding of the child's background and needs, which can facilitate their parenting and support.

However, the main disadvantage of an open adoption is that it can be emotionally complex and challenging for all parties involved. The birth parents may experience feelings of guilt, grief, or jealousy, particularly if they see the child bonding with the adoptive parents. The adoptive parents may face challenges in maintaining boundaries and managing expectations, particularly if the birth parents seek to be involved in the child's life more than they are comfortable with. Finally, the adopted child may experience confusion, guilt, or loyalty conflicts, particularly if they feel torn between their birth and adoptive families.