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If you’re facing an unplanned pregnant and are unsure whether you’re able or ready to be a parent, you may have considered a Safe Haven surrender for your child. But, have you considered giving your baby up for adoption? While both paths ensure your baby’s safety and future, they are very different in terms of involvement and long-term outcomes.
What Is Adoption?
Adoption is a legal process where you work with a local adoption agency or attorney to voluntarily place your baby with an adoptive family. With adoption, you are in control of planning your baby’s future and deciding whether you want an open or closed adoption.
What Is Safe Haven?
A Safe Haven surrender is where you surrender your baby in an immediate, safe, and anonymous way at an approved location such as a hospital or police station, and you are protected from prosecution for abandonment. With Safe Haven, you do not have ongoing involvement in the process.
Key Differences
| Adoption | Safe Haven | |
| Ability to choose adoptive family | Yes | No |
| Ability for future contact with child | Yes | No |
| Complete anonymity | No | Yes |
| Confidential | Yes | Yes |
| Can share medical history with child | Yes | No |
| Child knows where they came from | Yes | No |
| Temporary foster care involvement | No | Yes |
| Ability to receive counseling | Yes | No |
| Right to no-cost legal representation | Yes | No |
Making the Best Choice for You
Neither option is “better” than the other and what matters is which option is right for your circumstances. If you want to remain completely anonymous, Safe Haven may be the right option for you. If you want to have a voice in your child’s future and the option for ongoing contact, then giving your baby up adoption may be the path for you. Whichever you choose, we know that you are making this courageous decision out of love for your child.
If you wish to make a South Carolina adoption plan, you can search for “adoption agencies near me” or contact us here at Adoption Options and we would be happy to assist you.