Your Rights for Adoption While Pregnant

Being a prospective birth mother comes with certain rights that can impact your pregnancy and adoption journey. One thing to remember when you choose adoption before birth is that your adoption rights are determined by your state’s adoption laws.

A reputable adoption agency can ensure that you’re aware of every adoption right you’ll have throughout your pregnancy.

If you have any questions about your adoption rights then you can get free information now by filling out our contact form.

Below are seven important adoption rights to keep in mind while you move forward with the adoption process:

1.      The Right to Create Your Own Adoption Plan

Your unplanned pregnancy adoption rights mean you control the entire adoption process. You get to create an adoption plan detailing every step of your adoption journey. Your adoption plan sets standards, such as how much contact you want with the adoptive family and who you want at the hospital when it’s time for delivery.

“I didn’t know I would have the choice in an open or closed adoption,” birth mother Colleen said. “I definitely felt like I was in the driver’s seat and I got to choose the way I wanted my adoption plan to go for my baby.”

It’s important to remember you are always in charge of your adoption journey, and your adoption professional will be there to support you the entire way. Learn more about Colleen’s adoption story here.

2.      The Right to Choose an Adoptive Family

One of your adoption rights as the prospective birth mother is being able to choose the right family for your child. This is one of the big decisions you’ll make in the adoption process, and you’ll always be the one in charge of choosing a family that is best for your baby. To help you make a decision, your adoption professional will speak with you about what you’re looking for in an adoptive family.

If you choose some form of open adoption, then you’ll have the chance to meet with and get to know adoptive families when selecting them for your baby. You can take as long as you want to find the perfect family for your baby, and your adoption professional will help you narrow down your top choices. When you choose adoption while pregnant, you will always have this right no matter where you’re at in your pregnancy.

You can find a list of waiting adoptive families here.

3.      The Right to Change Your Mind at Any Stage of the Adoption Process

When it comes to your unwanted pregnancy adoption rights, you’ll always have the option to change your mind about your decision before completing the adoption paperwork. You have the right to choose parenting, whether it’s early in your pregnancy, after you’ve met the adoptive family and even once you’ve given birth. When you choose adoption while pregnant, you’re never obligated to go through with it no matter how far along you are.

If you change your mind about adoption after you have signed the paperwork, then speak with your adoption specialist about your state’s revocation period.

The revocation period in adoption is a set period of time where you can revoke your consent after you’ve signed the adoption paperwork. Each state has a different revocation period, so make sure to reach out to your adoption professional to see how this can impact your situation.

4.      The Right to Receive Free Unplanned Pregnancy Counseling

Because you have the right to choose what’s best for your baby, you also have the right to receive free information about all your unplanned pregnancy options. Choosing adoption while pregnant means you get access to an adoption professional at no cost.

Adoption and access to counseling resources will always be free for prospective birth mothers.

Some of the best adoption agencies offer free, 24/7 support so you can receive all the information you need whenever you need it. Before you work with an adoption agency, reach out and make sure they can provide free counseling adoption services.

5.      The Right to Choose Your Post-Placement Contact

When you choose adoption while pregnant, another one of your adoption rights is deciding how much contact you want to have with the adoptive family before and after your adoption is complete. You’ll always get to choose what kind of relationship you want to have with the adoptive family – whether it’s a closed, semi-open or open adoption.

Although you won’t have any legal parental rights after you place your child for adoption, open adoption will give you the opportunity to remain in your child’s life. Your adoption professional will always be there to coordinate communication and make sure the adoptive family maintains communication with you, too, if you wish.

6.      The Right to Choose When to Sign Your Adoption Paperwork

Deciding when to sign the adoption paperwork is completely up to you. You will never be expected to complete your adoption paperwork until you’re 100% comfortable with your decision. Each state’s laws on consent vary, which means you may have to wait a few days after giving birth before you can sign these documents.

Although you can’t sign the paperwork before state laws allow, you can always take as much time as you need to make the decision that’s best for you and your family. Adoption agencies should respect your choice and should never pressure you into signing the adoption paperwork. If you’re considering adoption while pregnant, then your adoption professional will explain the consent laws specific to your state.

7.      The Right to Revoke Your Consent, Depending on Your State Laws

Sometimes, prospective birth mothers decide they have made the wrong decision after placing their child for adoption. Certain states have revocation periods that allow you to regain your parental rights in these situations. But, this legal process can get complicated. Your adoption professional will explain your state’s revocation policy before you sign the paperwork.

They will also guide you through the required steps if you think this is the best choice for you and your baby. Remember, if your baby has not been born and you have not signed your adoption consent, you always have the choice to change your mind. When you choose adoption while pregnant, your baby cannot be adopted without your consent, no matter where you’re at in your adoption plan.

If you have any questions about your legal birth rights in the adoption process, then you can get free information now from an experienced adoption professional.