The definition for semi-open adoption includes several factors. First of all with semi-open adoption both parties meet prior to the birth of the child. In this way the birth mother is allowed to choose the adoptive parents of their unborn child. For semi-open adoption to be successful neither party is allowed to give identifying information during these meetings. Identifying information includes things such as last names, addresses or telephone numbers. After the adoption and the baby has been legally placed with the adoptive family there may be ongoing contact between the two families. Information, pictures, letters and gifts may be exchanged after the adoption. However, for semi-open adoption everything goes through the adoptive agency. The agency reviews all the materials and removes any identifying information then forwards it to the other party. All the information is placed in the appropriate file and can be redeemable at any time. Direct contact between the two parties is not allowed.

There are advantages for all parties involved. For the birth parent their fear and uncertainty of the well being of their child is reduced because they choose the adoptive parents. By meeting the adoptive parents they can be comforted by knowing that their child will be well cared for. By using semi-open adoption they will be able to see the love and care of the child through pictures and letters sent from the adoptive family. For semi-open adoption these correspondences are sent at predetermined intervals in the child’s life. The mourning process for the birth mother is also less severe because they know their child is well cared for. The birth mother also gets to see the opportunities that the adoptive family will be able to provide their child before they choose them.


For the adoptive family there are also advantages in choosing to go for semi-open adoption. By meeting the birth mother beforehand they know she will be more likely to proceed with the adoption because she has been given the opportunity to get to know them before the actual process is completed. Meeting the birth mother helps to reduce the adoptive parents fears about having a child placed in their home without knowing anything about the condition of the mother. They will also be able to find out about the child’s birth family’s medical history. They also get the opportunity to understand the birth mothers intentions, thoughts and feelings about the decision to give their child up for adoption. This helps the adoptive parents later to be able to explain to the adoptive child where they are from. For semi-open adoption everyone’s role must be clearly defined and the adoptive family can feel a sense of affirmation by knowing they were chosen to by the birth mother to be the parents of her unborn child.


Semi-open adoption allows certain comforts for the adopted child as well. It also helps reduce the need to search for their birth parents later in life. The adopted child will have access to information about their birth parents through the agency. Because the adoptive parents have had the opportunity to meet the birth mother and understand why she is giving up her child they can reassure the child of the reasons why their birth mother chose adoption. This helps reduce their feelings of abandonment. With semi-open adoption there are many advantages for everyone involved, and everyone can have a greater sense of comfort with the adoption process.