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