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Positive Adoption Language
The way we talk - and the words we choose - say a lot about what we think and value. When we use positive adoption language, we say that adoption is a way to build a family in the same way we say that birth is a way to build a family.
Positive adoption language can stop the spread of misconceptions. By using positive adoption language, we educate others about adoption. We choose emotionally "correct" words over emotion-laden words. We speak and write in positive adoption language with the hopes of impacting others so that this language will someday become the norm.
Choose the following, positive adoption language instead of negative terms that help perpetuate the myth that adoption is second best. By using positive adoption language, you'll reflect the true nature of adoption, free of innuendo.
| Positive Language | Negative Language |
|---|---|
| Birth parent | Real parent |
| Biological parent | Natural parent |
| Birth child | Own child |
| My child | Adopted child |
| Born to unmarried parents | Illegitimate |
| Terminate parental rights | Give up |
| Make an adoption plan | Give away |
| To parent | To keep |
| Waiting child | Adoptable child |
| Making contact with | Reunion |
| Parent | Adoptive parent |
| Search | Track down parents |
| Child placed for adoption | Unwanted child |
| Court termination | Child taken away |
| Child with special needs | Handicapped child |
| Was adopted | Is adopted |
| Two years behind in development | Retarded (or other descriptive language) |
| Spinabifida, cleft lip, or other specific condition | Deformed |
| Has disability or is physically challenged | Handicapped |
| Describe specifics--intelligence | Normal or grade level |
| Divorced | Broken marriage |
| Separated from parents or rejected | Deserted or abandoned |
| Is taking Ritalin | Hyperactive |
| Neurological impairment | Brain damaged |