Steffas & Associates, P.C.

Positive Adoption Language

The way that we talk – and the words that we choose – say a lot about what we think and value. Some terms commonly used in the adoption context may imply that we don't value the families ties created by adoption as much as we value biological ties. By using positive adoption terms, we can educate others about the true meaning of adoption. See how it compares:

POSITIVE LANGUAGE

- Birth

- Biological parent

- Birth child

- My child

- Born to unmarried parents

- Terminate parental rights

- Make an adoption plan

- Waiting child
- Biological father
- Parent

- International adoption
- Adoption Triad

- Permission to sign release

- Search

- Child placed for adoption

- Court termination

- Child with special needs

- Child from abroad

- Unplanned pregnancy

NEGATIVE LANGUAGE

- Real parent

- Natural parent

- Own child

- My adopted child

- Illegitimate

- Give up

- Give away

- Adoptable child or available child

- Begetter or sperm donor

- Adoptive parent

- Foreign adoption
- Adoption triangle

- Disclosure

- To track down parents

- An unwanted child

- Child taken away

- Handicapped child

- Foreign child

- Unwanted pregnancy