Why Adoption?
No two stories are the same. Stories erase stigmas and can change the narrative of adoption from shame to hope. That's why we keep sharing them.
We've created this film series Why Adoption? with the hope that these women's stories and perspectives will educate those who may be in similar circumstances today and encourage other birth moms wherever they are.
Latest Videos from the “Why Adoption?” Series
Real Birth Mother Stories
Laura
About a year after Laura graduated from college she started grad school to pursue a Masters in music and vocal performance. Four weeks later, she discovered she was pregnant. Being born in the Bible Belt, Laura was faced with the stigma that comes along with an unplanned pregnancy. Laura began to weigh her options and looked at the pros and cons of both adoption and parenting. When she thought about all that was going to go into raising the child on her own she was overcome with anxiety. Meet Laura.
Carmen
Carmen was a straight-A student, raised in the church. At the beginning of her junior year of high school, she found out she was pregnant. Being raised by a single mom, Carmen and her mom had a close relationship. Therefore she was overcome with guilt as she felt the shame she brought upon her mom. Carmen knew from the beginning she would only consider two options — parent or place him for adoption. Watch as Carmen recounts the drama involved with this decision and shares the underlying peace and joy she possessed along the way. Meet Carmen.
Stephanie
Growing up, Stephanie was the oldest of 6, an athlete, and a cheerleader. So it was a crushing blow to her and her family when she discovered she was pregnant at age 15. She describes what a lonely experience it was for her at the time as she went to live in a maternity home and then placed her son for adoption. Watch her recall the vivid details from her adoption and then discover a few personal surprises along the way. Meet Stephanie.
Ashley
She realized she was pregnant the summer before her senior year of high school. On her own she made an adoption plan. Years after placement, she recognizes the importance of support and connection with other birth moms. Watch to see how she empathizes with other birth moms today. Meet Ashley.
Ali
Ali shared her story with BraveLove. A few years after it was published, someone in similar circumstances found Ali’s story online at just the right time. Watch how Ali’s vulnerability impacted another woman across the world. Meet Ali.
Dominique
Dominique was already parenting when she found out she was pregnant for a second time. She was faced with the reality of what this would look like for herself and her young son. Watch as she details how this decision changed their lives forever. Meet Dominique.
Alison
Alison made an adoption plan for her daughter over 20 years ago. Since then she has had an open relationship with her daughter and her adoptive parents. Watch as she talks about how it’s been better than anyone ever expected. Meet Alison.
Kandice
Kandice was parenting her young son when she found out she was pregnant a second time. She pursued an adoption plan and then learned about open adoption - an entirely new concept for her. Watch as she explains how they stay close and navigate this open relationship. Meet Kandice.
Brindan
Brindan wanted to be a mom and knew she would be a great one one day. But she was still faced with the reality of the necessary support that was lacking in her life. She moved forward with an adoption plan and stays in close communication with the family. A lot has happened within a few years, and she continues to have a relationship with her daughter and the family today. Meet Brindan.
Adrianne
When Adrianne found out she was pregnant, she thought her life was over. She never imagined adoption being an option for her. It wasn't until her mom placed a packet of information about adoption on her bed that she discovered the pros of adoption outweighed the cons for her. Watch as she shares how she chose parents for her son, where this relationship is today, and talks more about those who helped her through the process. Meet Adrianne.
Sarah
When Sarah was 24, she found out she was pregnant. She always wanted to be a mom but was overcome by fear when this reality came so unexpectedly. She knew this path was going to be difficult but wanted to do what was best for her son. Sarah chose to place him with a loving family through adoption. Watch as Sarah and the family she placed with, share an honest portrayal of not only the struggle, but also the joy and beauty that has come from their open adoption. Meet Sarah.
Hannah
Hannah was juggling life as a busy high schooler - friends, family, track, schoolwork, a boyfriend. Then once she discovered she was pregnant, life slowed down. She considered all her options and did what was best for her and her child. Watch her story unfold as she details her emotions, the decision-making process, and then even the surprises along the way. Meet Hannah.
