Adoption has changed dramatically over the last few decades. Today, it’s possible for the birth mother and the adoptive family to have contact with one another. If you’re considering placing your child for adoption, it’s important to understand your rights as an expectant mother.
Learn more about making an adoption plan, selecting the adoptive couple that raises your child, and the amount of contact you wish to have with your child and their family in the future. You are in control of the adoption process.
What Are the Three Adoption Plans?
As the expectant mother, you choose how much contact you have with the adoptive family and your child. The way you communicate with one another is determined by the plan you choose.
Here are the three plans:
1. Open Adoption
This plan provides direct access to the couple you’ve chosen to adopt your baby. Together you decide the best way to communicate with each other. You can exchange full names, addresses, emails, or phone numbers. You decide what you’re most comfortable with.
2. Semi-Open Adoption
A semi-open plan is also known as a mediated adoption. You and the adoptive couple communicate, but all contact goes through your adoption specialist first. This plan provides more privacy because nothing is shared except your first names.
3. Closed Adoption
With this adoption plan, you do not communicate with the adoptive family. The courts seal the adoption records, and you have no further contact.
Why Would I Choose a Semi-Open Adoption?
Placing your child for adoption isn’t an easy decision. You’ve selected the adoptive couple after reviewing their bio and meeting with them in person or online, but you may want more privacy. You may feel vulnerable and not ready to open up completely. It’s understandable.
A semi-open adoption gives you the ability to find out how your baby is doing, communicate with their adoptive parents, and share how you’re doing, all without divulging too much information. Once you’re comfortable with one another, you and the adoptive couple can choose to alter the plan to be fully open.
What Are My Rights as the Expectant Mother?
Choose an adoption specialist who can provide you with all of the following rights:
- To select the adoption plan you’re most comfortable with.
- To review the bios of qualified couples who wish to adopt and to meet the couple you’ve chosen before giving birth.
- To receive a thorough explanation of the full adoption process.
- To not be pressured or coerced into making an adoption decision.
- To receive compassionate counseling for as long as you need it.
- To have your medical and legal bills covered as well as any other expenses provided by your state’s laws.
- To change your mind at any time until you sign legal papers.
Can Elevate Pregnancy and Family Resource Center Place My Child?
We are not a licensed child-placing agency, but we can review the adoption process and share referrals for reputable adoption coordinators in our area. Making an adoption plan for your child is a loving, painful, selfless, and hard decision all at the same time.
You need people who will stand by you and support you no matter what you choose. Let the team at Elevate give you the love and support you desire. Schedule an appointment today to talk with us. You have a bright future. Let us help you achieve it.