If you saw an adoptive parent on the street, would you recognize him or her? Probably not. Adoptive parents come from all walks of life, and it is often difficult to tell who has adopted their children and who hasn’t. However, there are certain characteristics that make someone more likely to adopt. Let’s take a look at who adopts the most.

Older People. The majority of people who adopt are over 30. In fact, 81 percent of adoptive mothers are between 35-44 years old, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And approximately one-half are between 40 and 44 years old. Only 3 percent of adoptive mothers are in the 18-29 age group.

Men. More than twice as many men than women adopt. Some are gay couples; others are men who have previously fathered children. Men who adopt are also somewhat younger than their women counterparts with more than 25 percent in the 30-34 age range.

Women Who Sought Medical Help to Have a Baby. If a woman has used infertility services, she is 10 times more likely to adopt, says the CDC. This figure is not surprising when you consider how many women come to adoption after suffering for years with infertility.

Christians. According to EthicsDaily.com, 5 percent of practicing Christians in the United States have adopted, which is more than twice the number of all adults who have adopted. In addition, a survey showed that 38 percent of practicing Christians had seriously considered adoption, while only 26 percent of all adults had.

Caucasians. Most adoptive parents (73 percent) are non-Hispanic white adults, according to a study by the Barna Group. However, they are less likely to adopt a Caucasian child. Only 37 percent of children adopted are Caucasian.

If you’re interested in adopting and don’t fit into one of these groups, don’t worry. Although certain types of people are more likely to choose adoption, the option is open to practically anyone. According to consideringadoption.com, “many people believe that only certain types of families are allowed to adopt.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. Those who adopt include people in the following groups: both older and younger couples, single parents, homosexual couples, military families, people living abroad and interracial families, as well as families with other biological or adopted children, and those who are religious and non-religious. Poor families also adopt and often chose to do so through foster care. As long as you can provide a safe, loving home for a child and are able to successfully complete a home study, you qualify.

For more information on adoption, please check out the resources at Adoption.com.

Deanna Kahler is a proud mom and freelance writer with more than 20 years of professional experience. She has written for several adoption websites and is the author of the award-winning book, From Pain to Parenthood: A Journey Through Miscarriage to Adoption. When she’s not busy educating and inspiring others, Deanna enjoys hanging out in parks and on the shores of Michigan’s beautiful lakes. Check out her webpage at www.deannakahler.com.

Sources:

http://www.ethicsdaily.com/christians-more-than-twice-as-likely-to-adopt-a-child-cms-21267

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db12.htm

https://consideringadoption.com/pregnant/finding-a-family/what-types-of-people-adopt