Different states have different legislation concerning adoption. The emphasis today is on ‘open adoption’. Counselling sessions are made available to the birth mother during the pregnancy to explore her feelings and deal with relevant issues.

The baby can be placed with foster parents or you may keep the baby with you until papers are signed. Decision times can be extended. If the adoption goes ahead you can have contact with your child 4-6 times a year as well as the opportunity to exchange photos. The adoptive parents will be the primary care-givers to your child but you can be involved in your child’s life.

Once you decide to continue your pregnancy the adoption decision does not need to be made immediately. You are free to take as much time as you require to think through your decision. Feelings and circumstances do change and it is possible that the problems and issues you are facing now may be resolved or improved in 9 months time. Whether you decide to parent or to place your child for adoption you will have the peace of knowing you are giving your child the opportunity to grow and explore all that life has to offer.

If you would like to find out more about adoption please contact:-
‘Centacare’ in your capital city:

Adoption, Not Abortion - People who were adopted speak out regarding their positive adoption experience.

Anonymous - received April 1999

"I am a 17 year old adopted girl born December 27, 1981. I was adopted by my parents when I was 10 weeks old from a foster mother who took care of me until the adoption which was March 15th. Since then, my parents, believing not to be able to have children, have added to my incredible family two brothers and two sisters - three being triplets. I know limited information about my birth parents, only that both my birth parents were short (resulting in a 4 ft 11 1/2 in.child), and my birth mother was adopted also.

Being an adoptee, I am totally against abortion (for obvious reasons) and am so incredibly thankful to my birth mother for having the courage to give me up. I think that giving up your child takes incredible bravery and love and I want to thank every birth mother who has ever given up their child - for having enough courage to do so. You have given your children a chance to live and have life. Thank you.
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Mandy - received June 1998

One June 1, 1969, my birth mum gave birth to me and put me up for adoption. From the information that I have she was 13 -15 years old and my father was a college student.

My mum and dad couldn't have kids of their own (they later adopted my brother) and my husband is adopted too. And now as it turns out, my husband and I cant have kids of our own.

We are looking forward to adopting children and believe that it is the path that God chose for us. Do I think about my birth mum? Yes I do. I just wonder more if I am like her. I couldn't have had better parents. There are so many ways I am like my parents. I have a temper and lots of common sense like my dad. I worry and am creative like my mum. I grew up in a Christian home with lots of pets and a brother.

My mum has two thoughts about me:
1. If they could have kids she would have given birth to me
2. I did not grow under her heart, but in it.

The biggest self esteem booster for me is that I was chosen. God had and has big plans for me. For all the women out there who are considering adoption, I would like to encourage you to go through with it. There are lots of parents-to-be who would love, cherish, and nurture your baby. Your baby will grow up and think of you and will always always love you for giving them life!
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Kristy - received November 1998

My name is Kristy. I was born April 8, 1981 and was adopted by my two loving parents shortly after my birth. My mother was 18 when she conceived and my father, 17 years. They were both in college and gave me up for adoption as they had no way of taking care of me at the time. I have a sister who was born 3 months premature, weighing 2 lbs. and was nearly aborted by her birth mother, a drug addict.

Since I was a young child my adopted mother took me to anti-abortion rallies and one day we went to try to save just a few young lives, Leah shows up and nearly aborted her child, my sister. I am so thankful to God for my sister as she is my best friend and confidant. I could have been aborted just like my sister and I am beyond grateful for my biological parent's wise choice to give me up for adoption instead of cutting off my life as a baby.
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Stephanie - received February 1998

On May 26, 1981, a baby girl was born unto a young woman who could not provide for the child as she wanted to, so she gave her to loving Christian parents who could raise the child in a home that would give her hope, love and faith.

That child was me. 16, almost 17 years ago, I was given up. And everyday I give thanks to God for my parents, both of whom I love dearly, and I give thanks for my older sister who is a blessing to me. I love Faith so much and there is not a day that goes by that I don't realise how precious life is and how both my sister and I could have been aborted, brutally killed.

Many girls get pregnant under the age of 18. And it is sad. A lot of people think. "what is the world coming to?" It is coming to what we make it to be. A lot of teens go out and party. Some girls sleep with guys, for fun or for the rebellion of it. Some do it to be close to the guy, they are looking for that oneness. Well all I can say is that it makes me want to cry when girls, mere children like me, must seek love in the arms of boys. I have been there and sought this "oneness", but it was never there . . .and that is because it does not exist. Bringing children into the world in this scenario is not good, but don't go aborting them. Every child born in this earth is wanted and God has a plan for that child.

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Anjali - received 1997

I am an adopted child and I am very happy to be adopted. Though sometimes I feel sad and wonder who and why. My adoption was not open because it was international. I strongly oppose abortion. I think that I could've been aborted and that scares me. I know life is precious and it is a gift from God. Yes adoption is better than killing someone. I have two wonderful parents and cool sibs. I know no one thinks any differently about me for being adopted. They say I'm even more special 'cause I was chosen and was a gift.