Rights of a Birth Mother

Adoption Information to Consider

• The birthmother has many types of adoption available to her, from a "closed" adoption to 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.
• The birthmother may be assigned a counselor experienced in adoption to counsel her throughout the adoption process, including after the adoption takes place.
• 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 information about the available families.
• 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 facilitate a relationship between the birthmother and the adoptive parents.
• After the baby's birth, the birthmother may spend time with her baby if she wishes 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.