By staying informed and knowing when you can choose adoption and relinquish your parental rights, you establish more agency over the process and feel reassured that you’re making the best choice for yourself.
While some women know they wish to place their child for adoption from the moment they learn they’re pregnant, others may need some time to weigh their options. And some women may make a final decision after giving birth.
Life Light Pregnancy Help Center will help you understand the adoption process and answer your questions. Schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment today to get started.
You Get to Decide
Perhaps you’ve been going back and forth between adoption and parenting for the duration of your pregnancy. Making an adoption decision can be difficult for some women. You may find yourself wanting to make that choice after your child’s birth.
Generally speaking, you can still choose adoption after giving birth. If you are still in the hospital or even at home, making an adoption plan and relinquishing your parental rights can still be possible.
Women may make this decision because of safety issues, substance use or mental health concerns, or even because they’ve realized it’s the best choice for themselves and their baby. If any of these apply to you, know that your and your baby’s well-being is the priority.
If you have just given birth and are interested in adoption for your child, you can speak to hospital staff (e.g., a social worker). If you are already at home, you can contact an adoption agency to receive more information and understand the next steps.
Keep in mind that the baby’s father may need to relinquish his parental rights before an adoption can proceed in some states. This is a sensitive issue for many people, so having a conversation with the father is crucial.
You may find that he has differing opinions and would like to take full custody of the child, so it is crucial to speak with a lawyer as you navigate the process. If he does not wish to have custody, his parental rights may need to be terminated.
You Deserve to Be Informed
As you navigate the adoption process for your child, you will make an adoption plan that suits your preferences and needs best. An adoption attorney or specialist will help you understand your rights as you go through the process.
Three types of adoption plans are available in the United States, and it’s crucial to understand each as you make a decision:
- Open adoption: This plan is the most common and involves selecting the adoptive parents you wish for your child. You can establish a relationship with the child and adoptive family and create regular contact through phone calls, visits, and more.
- Semi-open adoption: With this plan, you can select the adoptive parents, but your contact with the child and adoptive family is mediated through a third party, like an adoption attorney or agency. You will receive limited information about each other (e.g., first names).
- Closed adoption: This plan provides complete confidentiality. You and the adoptive family won’t know each other or have contact, and all identifying records are kept entirely confidential.
Making an adoption plan requires a careful understanding of your rights. As the birth mother, you won’t pay for any adoption or medical expenses. You may also receive additional financial and material support.
This is your decision, and you need the facts. Speaking to an adoption agency or attorney can help you decide whether this option is best for you.
No-Cost, Confidential Information
Have you given birth and are considering adoption? Are you still pregnant but want to learn more about this option? We’re here for you.
Life Light Pregnancy Help Center provides no-cost, confidential adoption information in a nonjudgmental environment. Our team can also offer referrals to professionally licensed, reputable adoption agencies.
This is your choice. We’re here to give you the information you need.
Schedule an appointment today to learn more. You can also call or text us at 530-222-5200.
