Birth Mothers Who Place Children in Private Domestic Adoptions in the United States

Private domestic adoption in the United States has experienced significant demographic and procedural shifts over recent decades. This study presents a contemporary profile of birth mothers who place children for adoption, drawing on de-identified data from adoption agencies, encompassing 2,365 cases between 2014 and 2023. Birth mothers were on average 25.8 years old and composed a racially diverse group, and nearly half were already parenting at the time of placement. Many adoption matches occurred late in pregnancy or after birth, with a high prevalence of prenatal substance use and widespread use of open adoption arrangements. The study also highlights gaps in knowledge regarding birth father involvement and the timing of adoption decisions. Findings have implications for research and practice, including the need for longitudinal tracking of birth mothers, targeted support for those already parenting or experiencing substance use challenges, and timely counseling for expectant parents. These results challenge outdated stereotypes and emphasize the complexity of modern adoption decision-making.