Adoption Questions: Why does Adoption cost so much?

While Hubby and I were going through the adoption process we encountered questions over the cost of adoption.  I know that people are genuinely curious and not being  nosy, but like the cost of a house or the pay of a job, the actual numbers are not disclosed as it is just not appropriate.  A few comments that did catch me off-guard went like this, “Why does adoption cost so much, it is just not right that people have to pay.”

Adoption has costs to it, just as giving birth does. I think once people look at it that way it makes sense and the “baby buying”  rumors are  put to rest.  The cost of giving birth in this area is roughly $16,000 for a normal delivery, more for a c-section.  If you have health insurance or medicaid you don’t see much of that amount, but if you don’t have health insurance you will be paying the Doctor, hospital, anesthesia, pediatrician, lab costs, meals and supplies.  It would be ridiculous to say that a parent “bought” their baby when they paid these fees.

It is the same with ethical adoptions.  Attorneys, social workers and court fees are to be paid.  The cost adds up when you include insured mail, passports and travel.  Then there are the agency fees.  These are the fees that some have a problem with.  These are the fees that people may question.   I look at it this way:  Our agency cared for my two daughters for five months before we picked them up.  The girls had a place to sleep, food to eat, clothes to wear and they were educated as well as prepared for living in the states.  For the first time in their lives they had all the medical care they needed and went to the dentist. All of this takes a lot of time, energy and money.  I have no problem paying the agency fees to help cover the costs of keeping my kiddos healthy and safe.

Are children sometimes sold? Are some adoption agencies in the business for profit and are not in the business to help find homes for children?  Yes.  Those are just two reason for  choosing your agency carefully and making sure they are ethical.  Do a lot of research and checkin up on any agency you are looking at working with.

It is also important to remember that there are many different kinds of adoption and many different adoption laws.  Every state has it’s own set of laws, as does every country.  Some states don’t allow coverage of a potential birth-mother’s costs and some do.  Adopting through the foster care system can be cost-free and adoption older children or children with special needs isn’t nearly as costly as people may think.

The federal government also helps out adoptive families with tax credits and some employers have adoption benefits.  If  you or your spouse have ever considered adopting, but were worried about the costs I encourage you to look a little farther into it.  Don’t let costs keep you from adopting.

More information can be found at AdoptiveFamilies.com and The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

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