The words we select and how we say them shows what we value and how we think. By using positive adoption language, we’re showing that we value adoption as a way to start a family. It shows we value it just as much as a family create biologically.
If you’re able to use positive adoption language in conversations, you’ll help reduce adoption stereotypes and educating others. Also, it’ll allow you can reveal adoption as it truly is, free from any bad connotations.
Below is a handy chart showing examples of negative language, and what to say instead:
| Negative | Positive |
| Real parent or natural parent | Birth parent or biological parent |
| Sperm donor | Biological father |
| Own child | Birth child |
| My adopted child, my own child | My child |
| Hard-to-place child, handicapped child | Child with special needs |
| Is adopted | Was adopted |
| Give up, give away, surrender, relinquish the child | Make an adoption plan, choose adoption |
| Adoptable child, free child, available child | Waiting child |
| Track down parents, reunion | Search, locate, make contact with |
| Give up | Terminate parental rights |
| The placement | The adoption |
Please feel free to share this chart with anyone you who could use some adoption education.
Are you hoping to adopt a baby or child? Or maybe you’re pregnant and considering adoption for your baby. Please call Lifetime Adoption at 1-877-383-6847 or email us.
