Children are entitled to be raised by parents who honor marital vows and who can provide love and support. Adoption can be a great blessing for many children who are born without this opportunity. Adoption can also be a great blessing to couples who are unable to conceive their own children.
When a child is conceived out of wedlock, the best option is for the mother and father of the child to marry and work toward establishing an eternal family relationship. If a successful marriage is unlikely, they should place the child for adoption, preferably through LDS Family Services. Placing the infant for adoption through LDS Family Services helps unwed parents do what is best for the child. It ensures that the child will be sealed to a mother and a father in the temple, and it enhances the prospect for the blessings of the gospel in the lives of all concerned. Adoption is an unselfish, loving decision that blesses the birth parents, the child, and the adoptive family.
Married couples who want to adopt a child should be sure they know all legal requirements of the countries and governmental agencies that are involved. They should counsel with their priesthood leaders and, if possible, with staff members in LDS Family Services. If LDS Family Services is not available in the area, couples can work with their priesthood leaders to locate licensed, authorized agencies that protect both the children and the adoptive parents.
—See True to the Faith (2004), 7–8
