Choosing to place your child for adoption as an expectant mother or a mother who has already given birth is an emotionally difficult decision. It isn’t an easy choice. You love your child and want what is best for them, but because of that love, choosing adoption is one of the most challenging decisions you will make.

The counselors at A Gift of Hope Adoptions fully understand the struggle and want you to know that you are free to change your mind at any point in the process until you sign your legal consent to adopt.

What Is the Adoption Process?

Every adoption is unique, and every state has different adoption requirements. A Gift of Hope Adoptions is fully licensed in Missouri and follows the state’s legal requirements. All of our services are available to you for free.

First, it’s essential to understand you are in control of the adoption process. From selecting the potential adoptive family to determining your delivery experience, you choose what is best for you. At A Gift of Hope Adoptions, we encourage you to create an adoption plan that outlines your desires for you and your baby.

We review the entire process with you thoroughly to ensure you understand your rights and the commitment you are making.

Some of the rights of an expectant mother or birth mother include the following:

• The right to consider adoption without coercion or pressure.
• The right to create a personalized adoption plan.
• The right to select the adoptive family.
• The right to create a hospital plan.
• The right to receive financial assistance for pregnancy-related expenses.
• The right to receive counseling.
• The right to change your mind.

When Can I No Longer Change My Mind?

In Missouri, a mother considering adoption for her child cannot sign any legal paperwork for at least 48 hours after giving birth. If you still wish to consider adoption at that point, you sign a “General Consent to Termination of Parental Rights and Adoption” or a “specific consent,” which names the adoptive family you’ve chosen specifically.

No one has the right to force you to choose adoption. You do not have to sign the papers if you change your mind. However, in Missouri, once the documents are signed, the legal relationship between the birth parents and the child ends unless the birth mother can prove she signed against her will.

Continue Your Relationship With an Open or Semi-Open Adoption

Although your legal relationship ends, it doesn’t mean your physical relationship has to stop. When you choose an open or semi-open adoption, you and the adoptive family can continue to communicate.

Missouri has legally enforceable “Open Adoption Agreements” (also called “Post-Adoption Contact Agreements”). Both the birth parents and adoptive parents sign the agreement to continue contact with one another.

Would You Like More Information?

Contact A Gift of Hope Adoptions for more information about the adoption process, your rights, or an open adoption agreement. We know this is a big decision, and we want you to have as much information as possible beforehand.

Fill out our confidential online contact form or call (888) 564-HOPE (4673). We’re here to help you make the best choice for you and your baby.

This blog is for informational purposes only. This is not legal or medical advice. While we try our best to reflect current laws with accuracy at the time of writing, please note the laws can change over time.