As an expectant mother or birth mother, you have rights when it comes to choosing adoption for your child. You don’t want to make a quick decision. It is a lifetime commitment that requires complete understanding, a great deal of courage, and thorough adoption counseling.
At Moore Options, we can review your adoption options and your rights. If you wish to pursue adoption, we’ll offer referrals to several reputable, licensed adoption coordinators.
You can change your mind, but you must understand when. Let’s take a closer look at Texas adoption law, governed by Texas Family Code Chapter 161, so you fully understand your rights.
What Are My Rights as an Expectant Mother or Birth Mother?
Every birth mother considering adoption placement for their child should expect:
- To pay nothing for adoption services.
- To receive a thorough, non-coerced explanation of the entire adoption process.
- To choose the adoptive couple who will raise their child, if they so desire.
- To select the adoptive plan that they are most comfortable with: open, semi-open, or closed adoption.
- To create a personalized hospital plan for delivery.
- To have the legal process fully explained.
- To receive post-adoption counseling and assistance.
- The freedom to change her mind up until the time she signs a legal document stating her intent to follow through with the adoption and terminating her parental rights.
In Texas, women considering adoption can also receive:
- All attorney, social worker, mental health professional, or physician services and fees are to be covered.
- All legal and medical expenses are to be covered.
- Any necessary pregnancy-related expenses paid by a child-placing agency, which may include:
- Housing
- Food
- Maternity clothing
- Utilities
- Transportation
- Per Texas Family Code 161.2061, agreements regarding post-termination contact are not enforceable by contempt.
You Have Time After Giving Birth
Most states have a waiting period after you give birth before you can sign any legal paperwork. According to Texas Family Code 161.103, you must wait 48 hours or 2 days after your child’s birth before making a final decision. You are legally your child’s mother until you sign.
The waiting period is for your protection. You decide how much time you want to spend with your baby and how you want to introduce them to their adoptive family, if that’s your final choice.
It’s Normal to Second-Guess Your Decision
Second-guessing an adoption decision is common. It’s important to focus on why you chose adoption in the first place.
If you choose an open or semi-open adoption, you can continue to have contact with the adoptive couple after signing the legal paperwork. It’s important to know that, under Texas law, post-adoption contact agreements are not legally enforceable, so ongoing openness depends on the trust you build with the adoptive family rather than on a binding contract. You will have the assurance that the adoptive family loves your child as much as you do.
Receive No-Cost, Confidential Information
Although Moore Options isn’t a licensed child-placing agency, our peer advisors can provide adoption information and referrals to reputable adoption coordinators. If you’re experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and wish to know more about making an adoption plan, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Fill out our confidential contact form or call the location nearest you. We’re here to help you. Just let us know what you need.
