If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy in Pennsylvania, you may be scared and overwhelmed with the decision you must make. As you consider your options, you may be wondering, “Can I place my baby for adoption in Pennsylvania?” or “How do I put my unborn baby up for adoption?” These are all normal questions to ask, and there are always resources available to you.
Fortunately, an adoption professional can help you make the best decision for you and your baby if you are interested in this path. Get started by learning more about the adoption process in Pennsylvania below.
You Are Not “Giving Up” by Giving a Baby Up for Adoption in Pennsylvania
Unfortunately, many people still use the phrase “give up” when referring to a prospective birth mother’s choice to place her child for adoption. But this couldn’t be further from the truth.
When you choose adoption for your baby in Pennsylvania, you are not simply “giving away” or “giving up” your baby for adoption. Prospective birth mothers who choose adoption for their babies are making a very loving and thoughtful choice. Their selfless act is one they feel will give their babies the best life possible— one full of opportunities and love with different parents.
If you are considering adoption for your baby, know that you are making a brave choice, no matter how difficult it may seem at first.
How to Give Baby Up for Adoption in Pennsylvania
When facing an unplanned pregnancy, adoption is not an easy choice to make, and it is not the right decision for everyone. With a little guidance, you can do what is best for you and your baby.
Before choosing this path, it’s important you understand what it entails. Here are a few of the steps you may take to “give your baby up” for adoption in Pennsylvania.
Step 1: Make the adoption decision.
This is likely one of the biggest decisions you will ever have to make. It is very important that you consider all of your unplanned pregnancy options; only you know what is best for you and your baby. As you make this decision, some questions you may have about adoption in Pennsylvania might include:
- How much does it cost to place my baby for adoption in Pennsylvania?
- Can I choose the adoptive family for my baby?
- Does the father of my baby need to be involved in the adoption?
- Will I be able to have an open adoption with my baby and the adoptive family?
An adoption professional can answer these questions and more. They can explain the adoption process to you and, when you’re ready, guide you through the steps ahead of you.
Step 2: Create an adoption plan.
If you choose to “give your baby up” for adoption in Pennsylvania, an adoption specialist will help you create an adoption plan. You are always completely in charge of your adoption, and an adoption plan will ensure your wishes are fulfilled. Your plan can include:
- desired characteristics of an ideal adoptive family
- the amount of contact you want to have with the adoptive family
- the type of contact you’d like to have with your child after the adoption
- a plan for your stay in the hospital
- and much more
Your adoption specialist will explain all of your options to help you create an adoption plan that will work for you.
Step 3: Choose an adoptive family.
When you connect with an adoption specialist, they will give you information about potential adoptive families who are hoping to adopt. You can view their profiles to learn about their careers, interests, lifestyles, parenting styles, and dreams for their family.
Once you have selected a potential adoptive family, you can choose to meet them in person or have a phone interview with them. From then on, you can decide how much contact you’d like to have with them. Your adoption professional can serve as the mediator for much of this contact, which can include emails, phone calls, conference calls, texts, and in-person visits. The choice is always up to you!
Step 4: Prepare for placement.
As part of your adoption plan, you will create a hospital plan before the birth of your child. An adoption professional can help you decide on the details of this plan, including:
- how much time you would like to spend with your baby
- who will be with you in the delivery room
- who will be the first to hold your baby
- whether you want to leave with the adoptive family
- and much more
You will most likely be discharged from the hospital within 72 hours. In Pennsylvania, you must wait at least 72 hours before you can legally consent to the adoption and terminate your birth parent rights. Your adoption attorney will describe this process to you and help you complete the necessary paperwork only when you are 100 percent comfortable with your decision.
Step 5: Adjust to life after adoption.
Adoption is a lifelong journey. Your adoption professional will be there throughout the entire adoption process, and they will continue to support you after you have relinquished your parental rights. They can connect you with a counselor who can help you sort through your feelings about the adoption.
Some women find it helpful to connect with other birth mothers who have experience with placing a baby for adoption. Your adoption specialist can put you in contact with a support group, if you so desire.
If you have chosen an open adoption in Pennsylvania, you will have the support of and contact with the adoptive family for the years to follow. You will find comfort in seeing your child growing up in a loving, caring family. This is just the beginning of a special relationship between you, your child and the adoptive family.
The adoption process is unique for every potential birth mother. If you are considering giving your baby up for adoption in Pennsylvania, you can complete this contact form to request additional, free information from an adoption professional and decide whether this is the right path for you.
