Common Questions and Myths
Myth - I will not see my baby once it is born
You can have as much say as you would like in how everything, goes
at the hospital. You could even have ongoing contact after placement
into a home.
Myth - I am selling a baby if I put it up for adoption
You should not be offered any money in exchange for placing your
child for adoption. An agency should only help you with medical and
living expenses which are necessary.
Myth - I will never see the child again, and he/she won't be able
to find me when they are older
There is an Adoption Registry in every state. It enables an
adult adoptee, birth parent, or sibling to place his or her name on
the registry and to locate other family members who are also
registered. You
can register with this agency and make it easy for your child.
Texas
Adoption Registry
Myth - I will never know how the baby is
You can receive pictures, videos, and letters (sometimes even
visitation) as often as you feel is necessary to help ease your mind.
Do you choose the adoptive parents? Do you have to?
You can select a family that you feel comfortable with. You don't
have to, but can request pictures and information on several families
and then make a choice.
How do you choose the parents?
You can view photo albums, have verbal information about what they
are like, have phone conversations, and have a meeting or several with
them. You can tell the counselor exactly what you are looking for in a
family and look at families that meet those requirements.
What do I get to know about adoptive parents?
It depends on what kind of adoption you choose. In a closed
adoption, you will receive no information. In a semi-open adoption you
can have any information, except their last names, phone #, address,
etc... In an open adoption, you can have any information you want.
Do I get to meet the adoptive parents?
You can have as many meetings as you would like.
Who could be at a meeting with adoptive parents?
Anyone you would like to invite.
Would you have communication with the adoptive parents after the
placement? For how long? You and your adoptive parents will agree on the type and amount of
contact you will have following the placement of your child in their
home.
Do I take my child home from the hospital?
Most generally, you will not, unless you request to.
Do I get to see and hold the baby at the hospital? Do I have to?
You will get to see and hold the baby as much as you would like
to, while you are in the hospital.
Would the adoptive parents be at the hospital?
They can be with you through the entire hospital experience, if
you would like. They do not have to be, however.
Can I pick who I want to have at the delivery?
Absolutely.
Can I pick what doctor and hospital I want to use?
Absolutely. If you want, your counselor can set you up
with a great doctor and hospital, too.
Can the birth father be involved? Does he have to be involved?
He can be as involved as both or either of you would like him to
be. You do not have to contact him unless you are married to him.
What would an adoption agency do for me?
Most importantly, an agency provides counseling and support,
before, during and after placement of your child into a home. They
should take care of all medical expenses and travel to the hospital,
doctor, and office. They should explain all of the adoption process to
you, provide you legal services, and should make sure you have access to
them 24 hours a day.
Can I go to school while I'm pregnant?
Yes.
Can I go through an attorney to place my child for adoption? Why
is an agency different?
Yes, you can use an attorney. The difference is that an attorney
is not obligated to provide you counseling and is not licensed or
regulated by the State or local agency, so they are not held to the same
high standards as an agency is.
If I talk to an agency once or twice, does that mean I have to
place my child with their families?
No. You are not obligated to place your child with any agency,
until you sign the relinquishment papers after the baby is born.
Once I sign over my rights to the child, can I change my mind. How
long do I have to decide?
The relinquishment papers you sign after the baby is born are
irrevocable. That means you are legally bound to the adoption once you
sign. You should feel free to take as much time as you need before
signing the relinquishment.
My fears about adoption are...
My family thinks adoption is...
My friends think adoption is...
