It is interesting how after reading this article I notice the words others use when speaking about adoption. I think the phrase used the most is the first one. I haven't thought of a tactful way to correct the speech of others, so I just make sure I use the positive ways of describing adoption and hope they catch on. It doesn't seem like a big deal, but when the positive phrases are read side-by-side with the ones they should replace, you can really see the difference in meaning.
"The words we use while talking about adoption can send unintended messages. When writing about or discussing adoption, please consider using language from the right-hand column."
| Negative Terms | Preferred Terms |
| Gave up her child for adoption | Placed her child for adoption |
| Real parent; natural parent | Birth parent, biological parent |
| Adoptive parent | Parent |
| His adopted child | His child |
| Illegitimate | Born to unmarried parents |
| Adoptee | Child who was adopted |
| To keep | To parent |
| Adoptable child; available child | Waiting child |
| Foreign adoption | International adoption |
| Track down parents | Search |
| Unwanted child | Child placed for adoption |
| Is adopted | Was adopted |
From It's About Love
