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Adoption

No matter your situation, you are the only one who can decide if adoption is right for your baby. Read this guide to learn more about your birth mother rights.

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Do I have to Put My Baby Up for Adoption?

If you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, you control what you want to do with your pregnancy. If you are being pressured to put your baby up for adoption, fill out this online form to speak with an adoption specialist about your birth mother rights immediately.

You never have to place your baby for adoption.

When you are pregnant, you have three options for what you can choose to do with your pregnancy:

While every pregnancy is unique, it is your right to decide what is best for you and your baby. This guide explains what to do if you are being pressured and find yourself asking, “Do I have to put my baby up for adoption?” 

Continue reading to learn more about birth mother rights, how to talk to those who may be pressuring you, and to find the resources you may need as you determine what is best for you and your baby.

No matter the decision you are leaning towards, anytime you need help, fill out this online form to speak with a professional and to get information about all of your unplanned pregnancy options.

What to Do When Being Pressured to Place Your Baby for Adoption

We cannot stress the importance of you being the only one who can decide what is best for your baby. If at any point you feel the pressure from someone is in any way threatening you or your baby’s safety, reach out to a professional for help.

If you do not feel you are in any danger but would like to resolve any pressure you are receiving, you may consider any of these helpful tips below.

Discuss Your Decision

If you are being pressured to put your baby up for adoption, one of the first things you should do is have an open and honest conversation with whoever is pressuring you. It is family, friends, or the birth father in most cases. They are likely pressuring you because they do not fully understand your situation or the reasons behind your decision to parent or have an abortion.

If possible, sit them down and explain your decision. Choosing to place a child for adoption, parent, or have an abortion is a very personal and important choice. Those pressuring you may not understand why you choose your path. This can help clear up misconceptions and help them relate to your emotions behind making this life-changing decision. 

Discuss with them how having their support is important during such an emotional time in your life and that them trying to sway you into what they believe is best is often more harmful than helpful.

If having an open and honest discussion does not help and you worry that going against their wishes may put you in an unsafe situation, you should contact an attorney, counselor, or adoption specialist, as they may be able to assist while you determine what decision is best throughout your pregnancy.

Understanding Your Rights                                                                           

No matter your situation, where you live, or your relationship with the birth father, you have rights that protect you and your baby.

You control the decision of what you want to do with your pregnancy, nobody else does. If you are being pressured to put your baby up for adoption, know that birth mother rights are enforced in every state in America. The laws in each state will vary slightly, so discussing your situation with an attorney is helpful to fully understand your protection.

Even in a situation where you choose adoption, you control every decision that is made. From adoption planning and finding the adoptive family for your child to hospital plans and placement, you are in control.

Suppose your feelings change, and you feel you would instead parent your baby or change adoptive families. In that case, you have that ability as long as you have not terminated your parental rights and completed your adoption paperwork. 

If you feel uncomfortable or as though you are being pressured to put your baby up for adoption at any point throughout your pregnancy, discuss these feelings with your adoption specialist immediately. They will help determine what is best for you and your baby and always make your well-being, comfort, and trust a top priority. 

Every state has its own consent and revocation laws to help protect birth mothers. These laws are in place to ensure you are making a fully informed, and more importantly, a voluntary adoption decision. Although it can be a difficult process, even after your adoption paperwork has been completed, parental rights may be reinstated if it can be proven in court that you were lied to, coerced, or being pressured to put your baby up for adoption.

If you have concerns about the pressure you are receiving to place your baby for adoption or to make a decision other than what you want, rest easy knowing that birth mother rights are enforced to protect you and your child’s well-being.

Consider Your Options

Determining what to do during your unplanned pregnancy is one of the most important decisions you will ever make.

If those who care for you the most have opinions about what you should and you are being pressured to put your baby up for adoption, they are likely doing this out of love and support – they want what is best for you. 

While parenting is admirable and an excellent option for your baby, it is essential for you to determine if it is the best option. Before making any decisions, you want to ask yourself questions like:

Although it can be a difficult reality to face, there is a difference between wanting to parent and being ready and able to parent appropriately. The emotional and financial responsibility of raising a child can be challenging for anyone, even the most prepared.

Nobody else can make this decision for you. Asking yourself these types of questions can help you determine if you are truly in a position to provide a successful and loving life for your baby.

Speak With a Professional

An unplanned pregnancy can be a lot to handle – it can be even more difficult if you are being pressured to put your baby up for adoption.

No matter your situation or the decision you are leaning towards, you never have to experience this alone. Professionals are here to help you make sense of it all, discuss your rights as a birth mother, and answer any questions or concerns you may have about your pregnancy options. 

Even if you plan to parent your baby, fill out this online form to speak with an adoption specialist if you find yourself asking, “Do I have to put my baby up for adoption?” They will inform you that you are in control of what you decide to do with your pregnancy and provide any resources or help you may need along the way.