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Adoption Language

The words we use when talking about adoption can send unintended messages. When writing about or discussing adoption, please consider using language from the right-hand column.

NEGATIVE TERMS PREFERRED TERMS

Gave up her child for adoption

 Placed her child for adoption
Real parent; natural parent Birth parent; biological parent
Adoptive parent Parent
His/her adopted child His/her child
Illegitimate Born to unmarried parents
Adoptee Child who was adopted

To keep

 To parent
Adoptable child; available child Waiting child
Foreign adoption International adoption
Track down parents Search
Unwanted child Child placed for adoption
Is adopted Was adopted

For more information about LDS Family Services adoption services, please call 1-800-537-2229 or visit itsaboutlove.org

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