What Giving a Baby Up for Adoption Really Means

Some women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy ask us, “How do I go about giving my baby up for adoption?”

If you are considering putting a baby up for adoption in South Carolina, there are some important things you need to know first. Adoption can be a beautiful, selfless and life-changing decision to make. No woman should choose to give a baby up for adoption until she is confident it is the right decision for her.

The professionals at Thompson Dove Law Group are here to help. Whether you are ready to give your infant up for adoption or are simply curious about the adoption process, we can answer your questions and help you make the best choice for your situation.

You can always contact our adoption professionals whenever you are ready, completely for free and with no obligation to choose adoption until you are confident it is right for you.

Giving Life, Not “Giving Up”: What Placing a Baby for Adoption Means

First, if you are considering putting a newborn up for adoption, there is an important thing to know.

Often, when pregnant women are first learning about the adoption process, they use terms like “giving baby up” for adoption. These terms reflect an outdated view of adoption, which originated when it was a secretive, taboo process. Today, it couldn’t be more different.

Choosing to place a baby for adoption is not “giving up”; it is giving your child the chance at a life and opportunities that you may not feel you are able to provide them with at this point in your life. It is in no way a selfish decision to “give up” a baby in South Carolina. Adoption is not taking “the easy way out”; it is a life-changing decision that not everyone can make, but some women feel it is the best way they can care for their child.

Putting a newborn up for adoption is a detailed, thought-out process. At our law firm, an expectant mother works closely with an adoption professional to determine every step of her adoption journey. She chooses exactly who she wishes to raise her child, what kind of relationship she wants with them moving forward and more to make sure the decision she’s making is the right one for her and her baby.

“Giving a newborn up for adoption” is not something done quickly and thoughtlessly, as phrasing like this suggests; it’s a loving decision that will determine the rest of your child’s life.

How We Can Assist You with Your Newborn Baby Adoption in S.C.

Putting an infant up for adoption can be a complicated process, but there are experienced, caring adoption professionals who can guide you through this life-changing journey. At Thompson Dove Law Group, we are committed to honoring your wants and needs as a prospective birth mother every step of the way.

From the moment you first contact our adoption professionals, we will work closely with you to address your concerns and questions and ensure you are comfortable moving forward. You will receive the same free, quality adoption counseling whether you are still considering adoption in South Carolina or are ready to make an adoption plan.

Our professionals will guide you through the process of creating an adoption plan for your needs and wants. This is a crucial part of placing a baby for adoption, as it will give you control over your baby’s future and your own adoption process every step of the way.

As part of your adoption plan, you will:

  • Receive options counseling to ensure adoption is the best path for you and your baby
  • Choose the adoptive parents you want to raise your child
  • Determine the pre- and post-placement relationship you want with your child and their adoptive family
  • Create a hospital birth plan
  • Receive pre- and post-placement counseling for any difficult emotions you may experience

Until you sign your adoption consent after birth, you will always have the right to change your mind about your adoption plans. Our team will never pressure you into choosing adoption for your infant. We will just provide the resources and support you need to make the best decision for you.

Questions You Have About “Giving a Baby Up” for Adoption

Many people still hold an outdated view of the adoption process, which is why many mistakenly use the term “giving up” a baby for adoption, rather than “placing.” We’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions about adoption here to help you understand how a modern adoption works today:

Will I ever see my baby again after I place them for adoption?

Yes, if that is what you are seeking. The majority of adoptions today are open, which means that you will not only be able to choose and meet your baby’s parents before you give birth but that you can maintain a relationship with them after placement, as well. Together with the adoptive parents, you can decide how open you want your relationship to be — whether it’s a mediated relationship involving pictures and letters, a direct relationship that includes in-person visits, or something in the middle.

Some women we work with choose to not have ongoing contact with the adoptive parents, which is also okay. Our goal is to be respectful of whatever decision you make regarding your child’s future and walk with you through that process.

Our law firm also has dedicated staff members that mediate reunions for those who do not choose to have ongoing contact during the child’s life. Meeting an adopted child later in life can be a joyous but overwhelmingly emotional experience. We are dedicated to nourishing these relationships in incremental but deliberate steps to ensure a reunion is a positive and healthy experience for all involved.

Will my child know they are adopted?

Yes. We talk with our adoptive parents about the importance of educating their children about adoption from an early age. Adoption is something to be celebrated, not hidden, and adoptive families today are proud of their child’s history. Having an open adoption relationship can also help ensure your child knows about you as their birth mother and has a chance to ask you any questions they have as they grow up.

Can I change my mind about my adoption?

Until you sign your adoption consent after your baby’s birth, you will always have the right to change your mind about putting your newborn up for adoption. However, in South Carolina, once you do sign your adoption consent, your decision is final, which is why our adoption professionals will counsel you through this decision to ensure it’s the right one for you.

Why should I choose to give an infant up for adoption?

Remember, placing your baby for adoption is not “giving up.” This decision will not only give your baby the life you want them to have, but it will also give a hopeful family the child they have dreamed about for years. There is a family for every baby; regardless of your situation, you will find parents for your child. It is never too late to choose adoption, whether you are in your first trimester or have already given birth.

Most importantly, you will always be supported during your adoption process — by your adoption professional and the adoptive family you choose. We understand how difficult choosing adoption can be. We will be here to provide the support and information you need to make the best choice for you.

To learn more about placing your baby for adoption in South Carolina, please contact our adoption professionals today.

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