A beautiful thing about today’s adoption process is that the expectant mother has control. In the past, a mother had no idea who had adopted her child or where they were. It was horribly traumatizing for both mother and child.
Now, the expectant mother chooses the adoptive parents and the amount of contact she wishes to have with them in the future. Plus, she is free to change her mind at any time until she signs the Relinquishment of Parental Rights.
Let’s take a closer look at the process.
What Does It Mean to Relinquish Parental Rights?
Adoption is the legal transfer of parental rights and responsibilities from biological parents to adoptive parents. It is not co-parenting or temporary, such as foster care.
The biological parents must willingly end or relinquish their parental rights and the responsibility of raising their child before the adoptive couple can complete the adoption.
In Texas, a mother cannot consent to adoption until 48 hours after giving birth. She has at least two days to consider whether adoption is still the best option, but she can take all the time she needs.
Is Adoption Permanent?
Adoption is a permanent choice for everyone involved. No one has the right to force you to choose adoption for your child. You do not have to sign the papers if you change your mind.
In Texas, once the relinquishment papers are signed, the legal relationship between the birth parents and the child ends, but this doesn’t mean your physical relationship has to stop.
The Importance of Working With a Reputable Adoption Agency
Because of the permanence of adoption, knowing how the process works and what your rights are as a mother is vital. One study found that birth mothers who were most satisfied with their adoptions received accurate information and felt free from any coercion to make their decisions.
New Life Adoptions is a fully licensed nonprofit Christian adoption agency. We know how difficult this decision is, and our compassionate Adoption Specialists want you to be fully informed as we move through the process.
Choosing to Have a Relationship With Your Child
As the expectant mother or birth mother, you can choose the amount of contact you wish to have with your child after placement with the adoptive parents. You can select an open or semi-open adoption, which allows you and the adoptive family to communicate with one another.
Staying in contact assures you that your child is loved and cared for. Your child has a greater sense of identity and an understanding of why you chose adoption.
Let New Life Answer Your Questions
Knowing if and when you can change your mind is just one of many adoption questions we’re sure you have. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like to know more about placing your child for adoption.
Contacting us doesn’t mean committing to adoption for your child. We understand this is a decision requiring information, counsel, and time.
Please fill out our confidential online Contact Form or call or text us at (281) 955-1001. How can we help you today?