Additional resources for birthmothers
If you want more information about adoption or just need someone to talk to, we’re here to help. You can find an adoption agency in your community by checking your local phone listings, or you can click here to view a list of agencies.
Important questions to ask your adoption agency representative or health care provider:
- How can you help me?
- Can you refer me to a counselor?
- Do I need a lawyer?
- Do my parents have to know?
- Does the father of the baby need to know?
- Will you help me talk to my family?
- Will you help me talk to the father of the baby?
- What services are available to me?
- Do I have to pay for any of these services?
- Can I receive counseling after the baby is born?
- Can I receive counseling after the adoption has taken place?
- What if I decide to parent?
- Can I choose an adoptive family for my baby?
- Can I see my child after he or she is born?
- Can I have contact with my child after the adoption is finalized?
As you consider your options, including adoption, keep in mind that you have rights. If you make an adoption plan, you have the right to:
- Be free from any pressure or coercion.
- Place your child through an adoption agency or private adoption arranged by an attorney.
- Your own attorney, though you may also refuse legal representation if you choose.
- Counseling, before, during, and after the adoption.
- Approve the parents who will adopt your child, know their names, religion, etc., and even meet them if you want to.
- Create a written adoption agreement, which allows you to share pictures, letters, and maybe even have future contact with the adoptive family.
- Financial help with certain reasonable expenses.
- See or not see your child before you place him or her for adoption.
- Decide to parent your child yourself at any time before you sign a consent or surrender and complete the revocation period.