Positive Language in Adoption
Using positive language reinforces the message that adoption is a healthy way of building a family. When speaking with others about adoption, whether family members, friends or co-workers, using the following positive terminology in place of the "traditional", assists with the understanding of what adoption truly is for everyone involved, from a very real and human standpoint.

Below are the positive language terms to use connection with the adoption of a child. Though please don't feel we'll be offended if you use this language, we know everyone is still learning. It's healthier for the child to hear positive language about himself and his background.


Not Real parent, but Birth parent- "His birth parents are from Ethiopia"
Not Natural parent but Birth parent
Not Own child, but Birth child "Elijah is my birth child"
Not Adopted child; Own child but call them both My child "Elijah and _____ are my children"
Not Illegitimate but Born to unmarried parents
Not Give up but Terminate parental rights "His birth parents terminated their parental rights soon after he was born"
Not Give away but Make an adoption plan "His birth parents chose to make an adoption plan for him."
Not To keep but To parent "They chose to parent instead of making an adoption plan"
Not Adoptive parent but Parent
Not An unwanted child but a Child placed for adoption
Not Is adopted but Was adopted