Adoption Language

The way we talk, and the words we choose, say a lot about what we think and value. When we use positive adoption language, we say that adoption is a way to build a family just as birth is. Both are important but one is not more important than the other.

Choose the following positive adoption language instead of the negative talk that helps perpetuate the myth that adoption is second best. By using positive adoption language, you'll reflect the true nature of adoption, free of innuendo.

Positive Language

Negative Language

Birthparent

Biological parent

Birth child

My child

Born to unmarried parents

Terminate parental rights

To parent

Waiting child

Biological father

Making contact with

Parent

International adoption

Adoption triad

Permission to sign a release

Child placed for adoption

Court termination

Child with special needs

Child from abroad

Was adopted

Real parent

Natural parent

Own child

Adopted child; Own child

Illegitimate

Give up

Give away

To keep

Adoptable child; Available child

Begetter

Reunion

Adoptive parent

Foreign adoption

Adoption triangle

Disclosure

Track down parents

An unwanted child

Child taken away

Handicapped child

Foreign child Is adopted