THE TYPICAL cost of adoption through an agency can be anywhere from $30,000 to $60,000 or more and oftentimes there is an agency fee of at least $20,000 that is included in the total. Private adoption eliminates the agency fee causing the pricing to be significantly lower. Private adoption is also a very specific process in which those hoping to adopt are self-matched with the birth mother of the child needing to be adopted. This process is done through an attorney. Sara and Zach Fuller decided that adopting through an agency wasn’t the right path for them and have decided to pursue a private adoption after years of struggling to have a second child.
The Fullers attempted to have children for two years before discovering that they had problems with infertility. Once this information came to light, doctors suggested that they try in vitro fertilization (IVF), which is where the process of conception is done outside of the body and the resulting fertilized eggs are then transferred into the uterus. Right before they began the process of IVF, Sara discovered that she was pregnant with her son. When trying to grow their family for a second time, they discovered the problems with infertility were back. In order to avoid the invasiveness of IVF, they attempted three cycles of IUI or artificial insemination. All three cycles of IUI failed. They then had two options: try IVF or pursue adoption. After many prayers and conversations, they decided that adoption was the right choice for them.
The Fullers feel as if one of the many ways, as Christians, that they can love their neighbors is by participating in the process of adoption and giving a home to a child who needs it. Ultimately, they felt that private adoption was a better option for them than an agency, but they have no ill will towards agencies and encourage anyone hoping to adopt to ultimately do what is best for them.
Though their journey has not been an easy one, they are hopeful that in time they will be able to successfully adopt a child to add to their loving family. The Fuller’s story is an inspiration to all couples struggling with infertility who feel lost or confused about what they should do or have lost hope in what is possible for them and their family. Adoption opens the door for so many children to be blessed with families who love them.
If you or anyone you know is facing an unplanned pregnancy and looking at adoption as an answer, feel free to contact the Fullers at saraandzachadopt@gmail. com. For any more details or updates about their journey, follow their Facebook page “Sara and Zach’s Adoption Journey.” -GN
