If you are living with PH and think adoption is right for your family, there are many health-related factors to consider. First, you may need to consider the implications of your illness during different stages in a child’s life.

  • Will you be physically able to lift an infant or toddler?
  • Will you be able to keep pace with a child learning to crawl or walk?
  • Will you have the energy to keep up with an older child and get involved in their activities and school functions?

These questions are difficult but worth discussing in a candid conversation with your partner and PH specialist.

If you’ve made the decision that adoption is right for your family, the adoption process requires that you present proof that you’re in stable health to begin the process. A physical exam by your doctor is required, and PH patients usually need a special letter from their PH doctor confirming that you are physically capable of raising a child.

Secondly, you should consider the financial responsibility of raising a child while navigating medical expenses for your PH. Depending on where you live, state adoptions can offer the benefit of financial assistance. Examples may include:

  • Funds to cover attorney fees.
  • A monthly subsidy.
  • Access to Medicaid for the child’s healthcare costs until they turn 18.

In some cases college assistance may be available for children adopted through the state agency. However, access to these assistance programs vary from state to state.

Additionally, adoptions through a private childcare agency, independent adoption, relative adoption and international adoption may require fees for attorneys and agency services. These options may vary from state to state, so the best place to begin is by calling your state’s public adoption agency.

Adoption resources

Choosing adoption is not an easy decision or an easy process. However, if this is something that you feel strongly about, seek out resources that can help you make this decision.

Learn more from the National Foster Care & Adoption Directory, a searchable database of adoption and foster care resources by region.

Adoption directory