encyclopedia of adoption

"real parents"

A phrase in wide popular use to indicate the birthparents of an adopted child. It alludes to shared genetic descent. This label is particularly disliked by most adoptive parents who feel it denigrates and verbally invalidates their relationship to the child.

The term is also technically incorrect, because parental rights, obligations and activities have been transferred in the case of adoption.


As a result, most adoptive parents and adoption experts advise the words "birthparents" or "biological parents" (or, less frequently, "genetic parents") be used when referring to the man and woman who conceived the adopted child.

Find more information on "real parents"

Ready for Adoption?
Adoption Network Law Center
Adoption Network Law Center
Want to Adopt? Click here.
Click here to be helped in California!
Adoption Network Law Center
Pregnant? Click here.
Adoption Network Law Center

Click Here to be helped in California!


Pregnant? Click Here