Not every one who seeks infertility treatment will become pregnant and deliver a child, even with today’s advanced reproductive technologies. If you have decided to end fertility treatment, you may choose to build a family through adoption.
Adoptions can be arranged through a public or private agency or independently. Independent adoption usually involves an adoption attorney or other intermediary. The majority of adoptions in California are independent adoptions. In an agency adoption, the birth mother signs a “relinquishment,” and the agency places the child for adoption. In an independent adoption, the birth mother selects the adopting family.
Education and preparation is a very important part of making a successful adoption plan. In forming an adoption plan, consider your reasons for adoption and the kind of child you want to adopt (race, age, and special needs). Consider the type of adoption you want to pursue (public or private agency, independent or international) and the degree of openness you want in the adoption. Read all the information you can about adoption agencies, attorneys, support groups and laws. Attend seminars and pre-adopt meetings. Talk to those who have already adopted. Research not only adoption practices and services but the pre and post adoption psychological issues as well. Consulting an experienced infertility/adoption counselor can facilitate making the decision to adopt.
Before choosing an adoption professional, locate and interview several reputable providers. Below is a list of some Bay Area adoption services providers.
The listing of names does not imply the recommendation of any particular adoption provider.
| Adoption Connection 1710 Scott Street San Francisco, CA 94115 415-359-2494 http://www.adoptionconnection.org Helps adoptive parents connect with birthparents |
Adopt International (international and domestic adoption) 121 Springdale Way Redwood City, CA 94062 650-369-7300 |
| Bay Area Adoption Services 465 Fairchild Drive #215 Mountain View, CA 94043 650-964-3800 http://www.baas.org |
Independent Adoption Center 391 Taylor Blvd Pleasant Hill, CA 925-827-2229 http://www.adoptionhelp.org |
| Adoption Law Offices of Adams & Romer 1191 Church Street San Francisco, CA 94114 415-643-4523 They help facilitate independent adoption |
Partners for Adoption – International, Domestic, and Surrogacy 925-946-9658 www.partnersforadoption.org |
| Bethany Christian Services Modesto, CA 800-BETHANY www.bethany.org |
PACT An Adoption Alliance 4179 Piedmont Ave. #330 Oakland, CA 94611 510-243-9460 www.pactadopt.org Facilitates independent adoption of children or color |
| Ellen Roseman Cooperative Adoption Counseling http://adoption-facilitator.org 415-453-0902 |
Holt International Children’s Services 888-355-HOLT http://www.holtinternational.org Facilitates international adoptions |
| Dean Sweet Sweet Beginnings Adoption http://www.adoptionsweetbeginnings.com |
Below are some books and resources that may be helpful in learning more about adoption.
Patricia Irwin Johnston. Perspectives Press. Written to help prospective adoptive parents make smarter, more thoughtful decisions about adopting a child.
Marguerite A Wright. Tapestry Books. www.tapestrybooks.com
By Cheri Register. Free Press. 1990. A personal report about the experience of international adoptive families.
Dawn Davenport. www.tapestrybooks.com
Adoptive Families of America
www.adoptivefamilies.com
Adopting.com, Internet Adoption Resources
www.adopting.com
The Adoption Foundation
www.adoption.com
Adoption.org
www.adoption.org
Adopting.org
www.adopting.org
An Online Adoption Resource for Adoptive Parents
www.adoptachild.org
Dr. Evan Rosenbluth, talks about whether biopsy-free embryo screening is on the horizon in a blog by Jennifer A. Redmond, May 9, 2013.
“I’m just glad IVF was there so now I get to start my own family,” said Strickland, 27, who was conceived at the San Ramon branch of the Reproductive Science Center.
Established in 1983, just two years after the first successful birth through in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the United States, the Reproductive Science Center of the San Francisco Bay Area has been a pioneering fertility medical practice for more than a quarter-century.
Our fertility clinics in San Ramon, Orinda, San Jose and Modesto are easily accessible to fertility patients from Contra Costa County, Alameda County, Santa Clara County, San Francisco County, Stanislaus County, Solano County, Merced County, Mariposa County, Calaveras County, Eldorado County, Placer County, San Benito County and Monterey County. Fertility doctors Dr. Weckstein, Dr. Willman, Dr. Hinckley, Dr. Sgarlata, Dr. Wachs, Dr. Rosenbluth and Dr. Ivani are specialists in infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, miscarriages, male infertility, pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS), egg freezing and reproductive medicine surgery.
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