Everyone thinks they know what adoption is, but the truth is few really understand it. So many misconceptions exist when it comes to birth parents, adoptees, adoptive parents and the adoption process in general. Here is a closer look at what adoption is and what it isn’t.

Adoption Is Not:
• The same as having a biological child
• Something to be taken lightly
• A decision that can be undone
• Glamorous or picture perfect
• For the rich or privileged
• A short or simple process
• Only for infertile couples
• Rare or uncommon
• Always openly discussed
• For everyone
• An easy road
• A second choice or a last resort
• For the weak or faint of heart
• Always happy
• The same as it once was
• About the parents
• An easy decision
• Always ethical
• Giving a child away
• Giving up
• Something anyone should be ashamed of
• A secret to keep hidden

Adoption Is:
• A loving way to build a family
• A choice to give a child a better life
• Painful and sometimes very sad
• A lifelong commitment
• Selfless
• Unconditional love
• Strength
• Never giving up
• Often a long process
• Ever changing and evolving
• Sacrifice
• Life changing
• Permanent
• Security
• Not always expensive
• Another chance
• Beautiful
• A legal process that can't just be undone
• A blessing
• Misunderstood
• Sometimes controversial
• Frustrating
• Everywhere
• Different for each person
• Always about the child

Have you been touched by adoption? What does it mean to you? Please feel free to share your thoughts and feelings. We would love to feature a story in the future with your take on adoption. Whether you're a birth parent, adoptive parent, adoptee, grandparent, relative or even a friend of someone connected to adoption, we want to hear from you! You can send your comments via email to adoption @ bellaonline.com. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to hearing from you soon!