Can I adopt if I have had fertility treatment?
More about adopting if you have had fertility treatment
Yes, although agencies usually recommend that you wait for at least 6-12 months after ending fertility treatment before you apply to adopt. You are likely to have been through a difficult and emotional experience and whilst you are still dealing with the feelings caused by unsuccessful fertility treatment, you may not be able to give adoption the careful consideration it needs.
The recommended 6-12 months is to allow you time to mourn the birth children you are not going to have. You, and your partner if you have one, may also decide to have some form of therapy or counselling.
Adoption agencies do not usually assess prospective adopters who are involved in ongoing infertility treatment. This is because it can be difficult to pursue two different routes to parenting at the same time.
Adopting a child is a life-long commitment that needs a great deal of serious consideration. Almost every adopted child will have particular emotional needs as a result of having to leave their birth family. Even if you decide adoption is not right for you at this time in your life, you can consider it at another time.
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Last updated: 09 November 07
