Can A Minor Give A Baby Up for Adoption
Can a minor give a baby up for adoption? Yes. If you are pregnant and are under the age of 18, placing your unborn baby for adoption is always an option.
Let me reassure you that I am an expert working with teenagers who are considering adoption for their unborn baby. I’m a mother myself to two girls, and I’m an adoption attorney and a birth mother. I know firsthand what you are going through. I’m available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide support. Even if you just need someone to listen, I’m here for you.
I understand how scary and overwhelming it can be to experience an unplanned pregnancy as a teenager. I’m sure you have a lot of questions about whether your own parents must be involved and whether someone your age can consent to an adoption. Here are the most common concerns teenagers have about a minor giving a baby up for adoption:
Can you give a baby up for adoption without your parents’ permission
In California, a teenager does not need her parents’ consent to give her baby up for adoption. Every state is different, but most states don’t require that you get your parents’ permission to place a baby for adoption. Some states will require that a minor have an attorney to advise her prior to making an adoptive placement. There are just a handful of states that require your parents’ permission, or at least that they are given notice of the adoption.
Who should you tell about the pregnancy
This is a really common concern, especially when social media has taken away so much of our privacy. Here is my advice:
Talk with a trusted adult
I believe it’s always a good idea to tell an adult you trust that you are considering adoption for your unborn baby. Adoption is a relatively simple process, but it can be an emotional rollercoaster. Your hormones and emotions may be all over the place. It can be helpful to have an adult involved to help support you through the process.
Be careful about telling your teenage friends
Telling friends at school or in your friend group may not be the best idea. It will be very difficult, if not impossible, for young people to tell others about your unplanned pregnancy. You have all the time in the world to tell anyone you want about your pregnancy and potential adoption. Just remember that once the information is out there, you can’t get it back, and you can’t control what others will say. I recommend you think seriously about who you will share the information with.
Talk with a doctor as soon as possible
You should see a doctor and talk with a doctor about prenatal care, labor and delivery. Young women tend to have healthy pregnancies, but this isn’t always the case. Don’t assume that because you are young and healthy and strong that there won’t be complications or that your baby will be healthy. Only a doctor can tell you that.
What are the steps in the process to giving a baby up for adoption
The process is really simple. You can contact me today 24/7 if you’d like to talk about the process. Here are the basic steps:
- Find an adoptive family to adopt your baby.
- Choose open or closed adoption
- Complete pre-adoption paperwork
- Plan for labor and delivery, and post-delivery
- Sign legal documents
I can help you find a family to adopt your baby no matter how far along you are in your pregnancy. You can also make a plan for your baby when you are at the hospital or even after you get home with your baby. It’s never too late to consider giving a baby up for adoption.
You can choose an open or closed adoption for your baby. If your parents would like to stay in touch with the adoptive family, we can make a plan to ensure that this happens. You don’t have to stay in contact with the adoptive parents if you don’t want to, even if your parents would like that type of contact.
The rest of the process is really simple, and I will be here for you every step of the way if you choose adoption for your baby. I am also here for you no matter what you choose. Feel free to contact me today, always confidential.