Common Misconceptions about Adoption
According to the United Nations’ Children’s Rights & Emergency Relief Organization, around 1.8 million children in the Philippines are either abandoned or neglected. In other words, more than 1% of the country’s population experiences the adverse effects of being orphaned.
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1. “Adoption can only be afforded by the wealthy.”
In the Philippines, the adoption services of the DSWD are free. The majority of the expenses mostly stem from the professional services of a lawyer. To minimize costs, there are free legal services from different NGOs or lawyer organizations such as the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), and many others (Lucero, 2022).
2. “Adoption is a complicated and lengthy process."
Yes, adoption is a lifelong commitment. The process is there to ensure that each child gets a proper loving home. According to the Kaisahanng Buhay Foundation, it can take up to nine months from application to the finalization of adoption; this time also is similar to the simulation of a normal period of pregnancy.
3. “All adoption agencies are the same."
Process-wise, Philippine adoption agencies follow the same steps from the application to the finalization process. However, public and private agencies have some slight differences when it comes to the services they offer. For this reason, it is important that individuals first conduct their own background research on their preferred agency before acquiring their services.
4. “Only married couples are allowed to adopt in the
Philippines.”
Single Filipino adults, foreigners, or legal guardians may adopt as long as they meet the other qualifications and requirements of an adopter.
5. “I can’t adopt because…”
". . .I am too old."
You do not have to be of a younger age to become an eligible adopter. In fact, more people aged 50 and above are turning to adoption as a way to start or even grow their own family (Adoption Parenting Resources, 2018).
". . .I am not straight."
Individuals and couples are open to adopt regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity.
6. “Mothers who give up their children for adoption are irresponsible and negligent.”
We must remember that choosing to place a child for adoption is never an easy choice. Instead of frowning upon these birth mothers, we should admire their selflessness to put the needs of their children before their own in the hopes of giving them a chance at a better future.
7. “Birth parents can take their child back from their adoptive parents at any time.”
This myth is mostly fueled by TV shows, popular films, and other fictional materials. Instances like these are extremely rare in the real world as once a birth parent has signed the consent forms, adoption becomes permanent and irreversible.
8. “Most adoptees are emotionally troubled and mentally unstable.”
A lot of people tend to assume that children who are placed for adoption are troubled in some sort of way. However, we need to remember that while their situations may be different from others given their diverse and atypical experiences, this does not mean that there is something inherently “wrong” with them that makes them undeserving of a home.
9. “Adoption should be kept a secret until the child has reached the mature, appropriate age.”
Introducing the child to this discussion at an early, appropriate age will not only allow him/her to build trust for his/her parents, but will also help build a sense of identity and acceptance. Studies have also shown that approximately 90% of adopted children over the age of 5 feel “positive” or “mostly positive” about their situation (Rosenhaus, 2020).
10. “The adoption process ends once a child is brought home.”
Adoption is a lifelong process. Some agencies annually check-in for reports regarding the social, physical, and mental welfare of the adoptee. Both the parents and the child should learn and grow alongside each other throughout the rest of their lives, like all families do.
Referenced Works
Adoption Parenting resources. (2018). 8 misconceptions about adoption that may be keeping you from taking the leap. A family for every child. https://www.afamilyforeverychild.org/8-misconceptions-about-adoption-that-may-be-keeping-you-from-taking-the-leap/
Clasaea-Lareza, T. (n.d.). 3 things an adoptive mother wants you to stop thinking about her child. The Asian Parent. https://ph.theasianparent.com/common-misconceptions-about-adoption
De Leon, S. & Kaiman J. (2016). The Philippines has 1.8 million abandoned children. Here’s what keeps many from adoption. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-philippines-orphans-adv-snap-story.html
Donvito, T. (2021). 16 myths about adoption you need to stop believing. Reader’s Digest. https://www.rd.com/list/myths-about-adoption/
Haspen, D. (2019). Top 10 myths about adopting from the Philippines. Holt International. https://www.holtinternational.org/top-10-myths-about-adopting-from-the-philippines/
Lucero, K. (January 18, 2022). How to adopt a child in the Philippines: An ultimate guide. FilipiKnow. https://filipiknow.net/how-to-adopt-a-child-in-the-philippines/
Myths about adoption. (n.d.). New Life Adoptions. https://newlifeadoptionsmn.org/myths-about-adoption/
Richards-Guida, M. (2021). 5 misconceptions about adoption you should know. The every mom. https://theeverymom.com/misconceptions-about-adoption/
Rosenhaus, N. (2020). 5 things people still get wrong about adoption in 2020. Adoptions with love. https://adoptionswithlove.org/uncategorized/adoption-misconceptions
The truth behind 10 common adoption myths. (n.d.) Considering adoption. https://consideringadoption.com/the-truth-behind-10-common-adoption-myths/
