Rights of a Birth Mother

Adoption Information to Consider

• The birthmother has many types of adoption plans available to her, from a "closed" adoption to a "semi-open" or an "open" adoption. Which type of adoption she chooses is up to her.
• The birthmother may choose an attorney or agency to help her create the adoption plan she desires.
• The birthmother may be assigned a counselor experienced in adoption to counsel her throughout the adoption process, supportive counseling after placement.
• The birthmother should have all available educational data and information on adoption when considering making an adoption plan.
• The birthmother may change her mind during her pregnancy and before signing legal adoption forms if she feels that adoption is not best for her and her baby.
• If the birth mother wishes, she may choose the individual or couple she would like to parent the child by reviewing extensive and detailed profiles about the available families.  She can also choose to meet the family.
• The birthmother's adoption-related expenses are paid for by the agency and/or the adoptive parents.
• The birthmother may have legal representation when necessary.
• In an "open" adoption, adoption counselors may help facilitate a relationship between the birthmother and the adoptive parents.
• After the baby's birth, the birthmother may decide the amount of time and contact she wishes to have with her baby before the placement of her child.
• If agreed upon by the birthmother and the adoptive parents, the birthmother may receive follow-up information about her child after the adoption is finalized.