COVID-19 pandemic could make it harder for parents to adopt a baby

The lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic could make it harder for aspiring parents to adopt a baby.

Many couples dealing with infertility or other issues are eager to adopt a baby in need of loving parents. The process is now more challenging because there just aren't enough available babies. 

Nicole Witt, executive director with Adoption Consultancy, said there were many pregnancies during the pandemic, but COVID-19 precautions like social distancing led to fewer "crisis" and unexpected pregnancies.

"The overall birth rate is dropping, but if you think specifically about the pandemic, adoptions are dropping even more," Witt said, adding that pregnant couples "tend to be married or living together, quarantining together and more likely to be looking to raise that child."

It has directly impacted people looking to adopt. Witt said working with an adoption consultant, who guides and connects you with multiple agencies and attorneys nationwide, can improve your chances of adoption.  

The cost of the whole process may deter many couples, "anywhere from in the $30,000 to high $40,000, sometimes even a little bit more," Witt said, but there is a tax credit of over $14,000 that can help cut the cost as well as special loans or grants.

Couples adopting through a foster system won't have those costs, as the process is free or mostly free.

Due to the high demand, many adoption agencies are not accepting new clients or are slower to return calls or send applications.

Witt's advice? Don't give up. Instead, let it motivate you to work even harder to adopt a baby in need of a loving couple.