Positive Adoption Language

Positive Adoption Language Helps to Abolish One Misconception...

...the misconception that adoption is second best.

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.

Positive Language	Negative Language
Birthparent Biological parent Birth child My child Born to unmarried parents Placing your child with an adoptive family Make an adoption plan To parent Child with special needs Was adopted	Real parent Natural parent Own child Adopted child; Own child Illegitimate Give up your child Give away To keep Handicapped child Is adopted