Here are the key types of adoption plans you’ll commonly encounter: open, semi-open (or partially open), and closed. Each has its own meaning, benefits, and what to consider from a birth-mother perspective. 

Open Adoption 

What it is: In an open adoption, you and the adoptive family agree to a level of ongoing contact. That might include sharing names, photos, perhaps visits, updates, or communication. 

What it might mean for you as a birth mother: 

• You may have more assurance about how your child is doing—seeing updates, pictures, possibly visits. That can ease some of the “what if” questions many birth mothers face.

• You may have an ongoing role in your child’s life (though different from being the parent). This can allow you to feel some ongoing connection while still choosing adoption. 

• You may find it helps with closure (or at least with peace of mind) knowing you’re involved in a way you feel comfortable with. 

• On the flip side, it can require boundaries, communication, and sometimes emotional complexity. You’ll want clarity on what contact will look like, how you’ll feel, and whether that fits your long-term sense of self and healing. 

• If you choose open adoption, you’ll want to ask: What’s the nature of contact? How often? Who initiates? What happens if the adoptive family or you later want a different level of contact? Having things written or clearly described helps. 

Semi-Open (or Partially Open) Adoption 

What it is: This is a middle ground. You might exchange non-identifying information (photos, letters, updates) or the agency might act as intermediary. There may or may not be direct visits or sharing of full identifying info.

What it might mean for you: 

• You still have more connection than a fully closed plan—knowing your child is safe, hearing updates, possibly keeping your memory alive in some way. 

• You maintain more distance than a fully open plan—so if you feel you need more space, or you want to step back emotionally, this may give you that buffer. 

• It can be a flexible option as your feelings or life change over time. 

• What to ask: What kinds of updates will I get? How often? Will I know names or contact info? Could the level of contact change in future? How will boundaries be managed? 

Closed Adoption 

What it is: In a closed adoption, there is little to no identifying information shared, no ongoing contact after adoption, and often records are sealed or limited.

What it might mean for you: 

• You gain more privacy, less ongoing emotional involvement, and possibly fewer reminders or triggers of loss—if you feel you need distance or healing without ongoing connection. 

• You may have to live with unanswered questions: How is the child doing? What is their identity formation like? What medical history emerges? Some birth mothers report the “not knowing” can feel heavy later. 

• It may feel simpler in some ways, but emotionally more isolating. Choosing closed adoption doesn’t mean you don’t care—it can reflect a wise boundary for your situation. 

• Ask yourself: Am I okay with no contact, no updates, potentially not knowing what happens later? Do I feel safe making this decision now? Will this feel right in 5 or 10 years?