Placing your baby for adoption is not a one-time decision; it’s a lifetime commitment. You love your child and want the best for them, which may include another family raising them.

As you consider whether adoption is the best solution, you must receive thorough adoption counseling. Understanding the process and the potential emotional consequences is critical. Remember, no one has the right to coerce or manipulate you into making this choice.

As the expectant mother or birth mother, you are free to change your mind at any time during the process until you sign a legal document.

The Importance of Thorough Adoption Counseling

Any major decision in life requires a lot of thought and discussion. The counselors at A Gift of Hope Adoptions believe these conversations need to take place long before you choose adoption for your baby.

We’ll ask you some of the following questions:

• What are your thoughts about adoption?
• Do you know anyone who placed a baby for adoption?
• What is your relationship with the father of your baby?
• How does the birth father feel about your pregnancy?
• What do you think about parenting?
• Will the baby’s father support you financially and emotionally if you choose to parent?
• What does the birth father think about adoption?
• How do your parents or those closest to you feel about your pregnancy?
• Do you have a plan, after the baby is born, either with your career or education?
• Why would you choose adoption for your baby?
• Do you have someone in mind who would like to adopt your baby?

Choosing the Adoptive Family

In addition to deciding if placing your baby is best, you can select the adoptive family. You review the profiles of couples who match your interests. A profile shares information about their family, home, neighborhood, other children, pets, religion, hobbies, etc. In addition, you can meet your chosen couple before your baby is born.

Selecting the adoptive family lets you decide the future you want for your baby. It gives you the confidence that you’re placing your child with a family who will love and care for them.

Take the Time You Need

There is no set time that you have to decide. Adoption can happen at any time. In Missouri, you cannot sign any legal adoption papers until 48 hours after the birth of your baby. You can spend time with your baby, hold them, and then decide.

You sign legal documents once you determine that adoption is the right choice. While each state has its own unique laws, in Missouri, after signing those documents, you can no longer change your mind..

If you haven’t chosen someone to adopt your baby, you will sign a General Consent to Termination of Parental Rights and Adoption, indicating that you want your baby to be placed for adoption. If you have chosen an adoptive family, you will sign a Specific Consent to Termination of Parental Rights and Adoption, naming the friend, family member, or couple you have selected.

Counseling After Placement

At A Gift of Hope Adoptions, we understand that the need for emotional care and counseling doesn’t end once you’ve signed documents. Your journey of healing and acceptance continues, and we are always available to support you.

We will provide the counsel, referrals for support groups, and assistance you need to move forward. In addition, we’ll help you facilitate contact, whether by phone, email, or visits, with the adoptive family and your child.

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and wish to learn more about the adoption process and your rights as an expectant mother or birth mother, please contact A Gift of Hope Adoptions. You can complete our online Contact Form, call 888-722-7859, or text 314-472-3678. We’re here for you.

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.