Information for Pregnant People

If you are pregnant and undecided on whether you want to parent, have an abortion, or place your child for adoption, you have the right to make that decision free of coercion, manipulation, and pressure.

Placing a child for adoption is a difficult, life-altering decision. This does not mean your life will be over, but it will be likely that you will experience grief, in addition to other emotions, at different points in your life, even if you are in and "open" adoption with regular contact with your child. It is nearly impossible to understand the enormous emotional impact of placing a child for adoption until you have given birth to your child or have parented your child for a period of time.

If you need someone to talk to about your options, it may be helpful to also speak to someone who is not directly linked to the adoption industry. 

All-Options has a team available to talk about all pregnancy and parenting decisions. 

Contact Planned Parenthood for the center in your community to discuss your options. Some Planned Parenthoods also offer prenatal care and mental health counseling in addition to reproductive health.

If you are pregnant and considering adoption, here is some basic information to consider. 

You have the right at any time in your pregnancy to change your mind about placing your baby for adoption. You have the right after you have given birth to change your mind. If you change your mind, you do not owe anyone an explanation as to why you have changed your mind.

You have the right to do your own research and ask questions. We encourage you to have a trusted advocate (with no personal or professional investment in whether or not you place your child for adoption) who can support you during this potentially overwhelming and vulnerable time in your life.

In the United States, adoption laws vary state by state. If you are thinking of placing your child for adoption in a state that is different from where you live, it is in your and your child’s best interest to review the laws of that state. 

Pay close attention to the revocation period of the state that you are considering placing your child for adoption. Once the revocation period has ended and you have changed your mind about relinquishment, it is highly unlikely you will be able to have your parental rights reinstated. 

In California, in a direct placement, the biological mother/parent has 30 days to revoke consent of their children being adopted and have their child returned to them. In an agency placement in California, the consent is final and may only be rescinded by mutual consent unless the biological mother/parent has specified an adoptive parent and that placement is not finalized; then the parent has 30 days to rescind.

You have the right to your own legal representation. In California, dual representation is still permissible. Dual representation is when an attorney represents both the expectant parent/s and prospective adoptive parent/s. If you request your own representation, the prospective adoptive parent/s cover that expense. If you decide to be represented by the same attorney as the adoptive parent/s, it is in your best interest to find an advocate. This should be someone who does not have a personal or financial interest in whether or not you place your baby for adoption.

“Open” adoptions may not be legally enforceable in the state where the adoption is finalized. There are many birth parents who have reported broken promises of an open adoption. Birth parents often have little to no legal recourse to ensure post-adoption contract agreements are honored. 

You have the right to spend as much time as you want with your baby while you are in the hospital or birthing center.* You have the right to breast/chest feed your baby. You have the right not to have whoever you want, and do not want, in the delivery with you.You are not obligated to have the prospective adoptive parent/s in the delivery room. Even if you are considering placing your baby for adoption, you can still create your own birth plan, take child birth classes, and have a doula.

You have the right to name your baby. The adoptive parent/s may change the name, but you are still allowed to name your baby.

*MPower Alliance are not attorneys nor is this legal advice. It is always best to conduct your own research so you can make the best decision for you. As a reminder, adoption laws vary state by state.