What are My Rights When *Giving a Baby Up for Adoption?

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be thinking about “giving baby up for adoption.” *Know that you are not “giving up your baby” but are making a thoughtful and loving plan for your child.

As you consider taking this brave and loving step, you will want to be informed. At Adoptions With Love, we want expectant/birth mothers to feel empowered. This is your choice. Only you know what is best for you and your child. You should be able to make an informed, thoughtful decision before moving forward with your adoption plans. You should also know your rights as an expectant/birth parent, now and throughout the adoption process.

In this guide, we will share some of the fundamental rights that birth parents should be aware of when considering placing a baby for adoption.

You Have the Right to Work with a Professional

As you consider adoption for your baby, you may be feeling overwhelmed. You are not alone. There are adoption agencies that can help guide you through this journey. While some unlicensed organizations can take advantage of those in your position, a private, nonprofit, fully licensed adoption agency, can help you navigate this journey, without judgement or pressure, and with confidence. If you choose to work with a private adoption agency, know that there are never any fees for their services. In fact, you can receive many free services as an expectant/birth parent considering adoption.

You Have the Right to Free Counseling

Counseling is crucial for expectant/birth mothers who are considering adoption. Facing an unplanned pregnancy is scary, and adoption  is one of the most difficult choices of your life. Both are life-changing experiences.

While adoption brings many benefits for birth mothers, it is an emotional journey with many ups and downs along the way. One of the many free supportive services offered to expectant/birth mothers is counseling. You have the right to free counseling about your pregnancy options, adoption choices, and the general adoption process, as well as free help in navigating the emotions you will experience along the way.

Adoptions With Love’s experienced counselors have been working with expectant/birth mothers in your position for many years. We offer care before and after the adoption – and never charge the expectant/birth mother for any fees associated with these services.

You Have the Right to an Adoption Attorney

Another free service that you have the right to is legal representation. It can be overwhelming to consider the legal fees associated with any official life event, but when you choose to work with an adoption agency, you are granted the right to access to a legal team – completely free of charge.

Your adoption agency should make sure you are informed and kept in the loop with all things related to your pregnancy, birth, and rights throughout the adoption process. Adoptions With Love has attorneys that specialize in adoption law – as they vary between states – and can send someone from the legal team to you to make sure you have the information you need before making your decision.

Your adoption attorneys should also provide you with the information you need regarding the birth father’s rights. These laws vary by state. You can ask your adoption agency for information regarding the birth father’s pertinent rights regarding the adoption, if this applies to your situation.

You Have the Right to Financial Aid

If you choose adoption for your baby, you have the right to financial assistance as it relates to the pregnancy, birth, and recovery. Basic living expenses can be covered during this time, such as rent, utility bills, and maternity clothes, as needed. These are typically covered by an adoption agency, so be sure to do your research before choosing the best agency for you.

You Have the Right to Wait

Expectant/birth mothers have the right to wait to make their decision on adoption. Whether you are in your first trimester or you have already given birth, it is never too late to make an adoption plan. You may feel, during your pregnancy, that adoption is the best path, but you could change your mind after giving birth. That is okay. Adoptions With Love encourages birth mothers to take some time at the hospital before making their final decision. In some states, a wait period is required.

You Have the Right to a Birth Plan

As you consider *“giving baby up for adoption,” you can also consider the type of birth you would like to experience. Do you wish to have the adoptive parents there in the delivery room? Who will hold baby first? Do you want time alone with the baby after he/she is born? This can all be planned out in advance, and  all your needs will be met and respected, thanks to the help of an adoption agency. You can learn more about creating a hospital and birth plan here.

You Have the Right to Be Respected, No Matter Your Decision

In the end, adoption is your choice. No one can make this choice for you. No one can pressure you into this decision. Only you can make this decision, as an expectant/birth mother.

Your adoption agency can help guide you through the process, but they should never try to sway you toward any of your decisions regarding the pregnancy. Whether you want an open, semi-open, or closed adoption, or you change your mind at the last minute and decide that you wish to parent your baby, you will be supported. At Adoptions With Love, all expectant/birth mothers are treated with the respect, compassion, and dignity they deserve.

If you would like more information about your rights as you consider giving baby up for adoption, contact Adoptions With Love today. We can help guide you and empower you with the information you need. Call us any time of day, any day of the week at 800-722-7731, text us confidentially at 617-777-0072, or contact us online.