Your Rights as an Expectant/Birth Mother Considering Adoption

Choosing adoption for your child does not mean you are immediately relinquishing all of your rights as his or her birth mother. In fact, you still maintain many rights throughout the adoption process.

If you are currently considering adoption for your baby, it is important for you to understand all of these rights. Adoptions With Love has compiled the following list to help guide you in making a fully informed decision regarding adoption. Please take the time to review and do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

As an expectant/birth mother considering adoption, you have:

The Right to Make Your Own Decision, Free From Pressure or Coercion. 

One of the most important things to remember in considering your options is that you, as an expectant/birth mother, have the right to make a choice free from outside influence. No one, not family, friends, nor the father of your baby, can force you into making a decision you do not want to make. This is your choice.

The Right to Your Body and Any Decisions Regarding Your or Your Baby’s Health.

As an expectant mother considering adoption, you have complete say in your pregnancy and all rights to control your body during your pregnancy. Right now, you are the person who truly knows what is best for you and your child. How you and your baby are cared for is therefore determined by you. Once the baby is born, you, as the biological mother, still maintain the right to make all decisions regarding your care and that of your baby, right up until the adoption process is completed.

The Right to Change Your Mind.

It is also important to know that no decision you make before the birth of your baby will be binding or limit you in any way. While laws do vary state to state, you have the right to change your mind about adoption or parenting up until the birth of your baby.

Depending on where you live, you will have a certain allotted time after your baby’s birth to make a decision about adoption. Some states also allow you to revoke your consent to adoption days after the papers have been signed. This is not always the case, so if you have questions about the specific laws in your area, please contact us.

The Right to Design an Open Adoption Plan.

Using a licensed adoption agency gives you the right to be a part of every phase of the adoption process. This means that as a birth mother, you have a right to participate in designing the adoption plan that works best at this time. You may choose to create an open adoption plan, which will give you the right to stay updated and/or in contact with your child and the adoptive family.

You may choose to participate in Adoption With Love’s letter and picture program, which gives birth mothers the opportunity to receive personal updates from the adoptive family.

The Right to Choose and Meet an Adoptive Family.                            

As an expectant/birth mother, you have the right to choose adoptive parents to raise your child. If you are still considering adoption, you also have the right to view several waiting adoptive families’ profiles. . Once you have chosen a possible adoptive family, you have the opportunity to meet them in person. These in-person meetings will give you the opportunity to ask questions of the adoptive family and may help you form a relationship. This connection may give you confidence that you are choosing a loving, caring family for your child (for more information on choosing an adoptive family for your baby, download our free guide, here).

The Right to Confidentiality.

If you choose to place your baby for adoption, know that you have the right to complete confidentiality. Open adoption is not right for everyone. You may feel more comfortable keeping your information private. Rest assured that no one—not even an adoption agency—has the right to share your personal information without consent.

The Right to Financial Assistance.

Choosing to place your baby for adoption means that you will have the right to request financial assistance for pregnancy-related expenses. At Adoptions With Love, we want to ensure that you have the proper, quality medical care. We can assist with hospital bills as well as pre-natal costs.

You also have the right to other financial assistance through our agency, such as transportation, maternity clothing, and housing assistance. We can assist you with these expenses in the third trimester of your pregnancy.

The Right to Counseling.

The adoption process can be overwhelming, but you always have the right to on-going support. As a part of our free services for birth mothers, Adoptions With Love offers professional, compassionate counseling during and following your pregnancy should you choose adoption. Our team of professionals can help guide you through the adoption process. Our goal is always to be there for you, before, during, and after the birth of your child.

The Right to Respect.

Adoption is a courageous act that gives your child a life beyond what you can provide at this time. If you choose adoption, know that you ALWAYS have the right to respect and dignity. You have the right to be proud of your decision and the right to be confident that your decision was the best option for you and your baby. This is not an easy decision to make. It takes bravery to choose adoption, and you deserve every ounce of admiration.

To learn more about your rights as a birth parent, please call Amy, Nancy, Amelia, and Claudia toll-free at 1-800-722-7731.