The Adoption Alternative for Pregnant Adolescents: Decision Making, Consequences, and Policy Implications

It is estimated that approximately 3% of pregnant adolescents who carry to term will place their infant for adoption. Birth mothers who place for adoption have higher socioeconomic indices and are less influenced by a negative social network than are those who keep the child. As a result of placing an infant, birth mothers may experience an enduring sense of loss. This is exacerbated by the social blocking of open grieving and restricted opportunities to participate, even indirectly, in the life of the child. If adoption is to become a more frequently used pregnancy resolution option, then structural changes in the delivery of counseling and supportive services must be considered.