Sharing this newer, updated, adoption language is critical to building a culture of respect, affirmation, and understanding in the adoption community. Using this language helps:

• Reduce stigma and negative perceptions.

• Affirm adoptive families and birth families.

• Encourage healthy identity formation for adoptees.

 

Highlights Include:

Birth Mom, not "Real" Mom
 

Instead of “real mother,” we say “birth mother” to recognize her role, and adoptive moms are simply, “Mom.” 

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The Adoption Triad

This term acknowledges the unique roles of birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees.

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Made an Adoption Plan

This replaces "give up for adoption" by highlighting a thoughtful, brave decision, recognizing birth parents' intent to create the best possible outcome for their child.