Can a Single Mother Still Give Her Baby Up for Adoption or Adopt?

“If you have the heart for adoption, don’t let fear stand in the way.” – Doug Chapman

Adoption is a decision made with love. Whether you are a single person facing an unplanned pregnancy, or want to adopt as a single parent, you may be considering adoption. However, you may have questions like:

• Can a single mother give her baby up for adoption?
• Can a single parent adopt?

The answer to these questions is simple: Yes! You can do it.

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering adoption, you may be unsure where to begin, or worried about the biological father’s rights. You may be wondering if anyone will want your child. You may be wondering how you can do it all on your own. Fortunately, you do not have to face this journey alone. There are resources to help you every step of the way.

If you are longing to adopt a child and you are single, you may be wondering if an adoption agency will approve you to adopt. You may be wondering whether you can raise a child as a single parent. You can find support and guidance throughout the adoption – and parenting – journey, as well.

Read on to learn about making an adoption plan or adopting a child as an individual.

Placing a Baby for Adoption as a Single Mother

Many women facing an unplanned pregnancy are single. Some do not have a good relationship with the biological father. Research shows that 70% of pregnancies among single, educated women are unplanned. You are certainly not alone.

If you are single and facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may have many questions, such as:

“Can I put a baby up for adoption without the father?”

It is common for expectant/birth mothers to wonder if they can place their child for adoption without the father’s consent.  The answer depends on your circumstances and the state in which you live.

Adoption laws vary by state. It is important to have legal assistance during the adoption process. A local, private adoption agency such as Adoptions With Love can help you.

Our free, supportive services for expectant/birth mothers include legal assistance. Our trained attorneys specialize in adoption and are well-versed in the adoption laws in every state of the country.

An adoption attorney team will ensure that your rights are protected throughout the adoption process. They will also inform you of the birth father’s rights and help to terminate his parental rights. Your adoption attorney can answer any questions you may have along the way.

No matter your circumstances regarding your child’s biological father, your adoption agency can guide you. Adoptions With Love can help you, even if:

• You are not sure who your child’s birth father is,
• There is more than one person who could be the father,
• You do not know where he lives or how to contact him,
• The baby’s father has been incarcerated,
• Your baby’s father is refusing to cooperate with the adoption, or
• You are married and the baby’s father is not your spouse’s child.

No matter your personal connection with the child’s birth father, Adoptions With Love can help. We can help you make an adoption plan that meets your needs. I If needed, we can help facilitate communication with the birth father on your behalf.

Your safety, comfort, and health are our top priority.

Adopting a Baby as a Single Parent

If you are not married, you may find yourself longing for a family. Raising children is a life-changing experience. If you are ready to become a parent, but you do not have a partner or spouse, you may be wondering: “Can a single parent adopt?”

Absolutely.

Years ago, adoption was not possible for everyone. In fact, some states had laws that prohibited single people from adopting. Over the past several years, however, significant progress has been made. Adoption among single parents is much more common. In fact, nearly one quarter of U.S. children under age 18 are living with a single parent.

There are some considerations to make before adopting a child, whether you are a single parent or in a relationship. You will have to consider your circumstances, values, and means of support throughout your child’s upbringing. It is certainly possible to raise a child as a single parent, and many individuals raise their children independently today. However, as the African proverb goes:

“It takes a village to raise a child.”

Before taking this life-changing step toward adoption, consider the following:

• Child Care Support
• Career
• Finances

Who will care for your child when you are not around? Will you maintain your current position at work? Does your job require travel or unusual hours? Do you earn enough money to support yourself and a child? These are just a few of the questions to ask yourself before committing to raise a child as a single parent.

If you have a supportive network of family and friends, be sure they are ready to help you along the way. If you have a career that enables you to shift your hours to accommodate a growing child, then consider making those arrangements before starting the adoption journey. There are plenty of support groups for single parents. They can be found virtually – such as Facebook groups or chat boards – and in-person within your community.

If you need to make some life and career changes before adopting, be sure to make those changes before pursuing adoption. If you would like to learn more about adopting a child, contact an adoption agency for more guidance and information.

 

Whether you would like to adopt a child or place your child for adoption, rest assured that you can do so as a single person. Contact Adoptions With Love today to learn more about either path. Call 800-722-7731, text us confidentially at 617-777-0072, or contact us online. We can help guide you through the adoption process.