Deciding on adoption: Birth mothers’ motivations

This study analyses birth mothers’ primary motivations for placing their child for adoption, aiming to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing these choices. The researchers examined open-ended survey question responses from 768 birth mothers who placed a child for private domestic adoption. Four key themes emerged: (1) lack of resources and support for parenting; (2) respondents’ desire for an ideal family environment for their child; (3) present life circumstances; and (4) beliefs and pressures related to adoption. Responses also highlighted the complexity and multifaceted nature of birth mothers’ placement decisions, with many offering several factors that contributed to their decision-making. These results can inform future research, impact service delivery and improve public discourse regarding motivations for placement.