Birth parents

Becoming a birth parent can be a life-changing event, one that can be extremely difficult – physically, emotionally, and in terms of the impact it can have on relationships.

 

The support of qualified professionals can be invaluable during this challenging time. 

 

If you are in this position – either an expectant mother or the partner of someone who is pregnant, and adoption is an option you are considering, you will likely have a lot of questions. Luckily, there’s a lot of information available online, support is available, if you reach out.

 

Here are some of the most common questions you might have about placing your child for adoption.

 

1. What does birth parent mean?

2. What is a birth father?

3. Support for birth parents

 

1) What does ‘birth parent’ mean?

 

A birth parent is someone who has given birth to or fathered a child and completed all the necessary steps to place the child for adoption. 

 

Birth parents can opt for a closed or open adoption, depending on their personal needs and preferences.

 

Open adoption allows for an agreed level of contact with the adoptive family and child, whereas in a closed adoption, all information about the birth parents is withheld.

 

When discussing adoption, all parties involved must take care to use respectful and considerate language at all times. For this reason, the terms ‘birth parent’ or ‘birth mother’ should only be used after a baby has been placed for adoption. 

 

Before this, they should be referred to as the expectant parents or potential birth parents.

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2) What is a birth father?

 

A birth father is the biological father of a child that has been placed for adoption. 

 

In most adoption scenarios, the rights and feelings of the potential birth father are considered and are an important part of the process. 

 

However, depending on the individual circumstances and laws of your state, not all potential birth fathers have the same parental rights.

 

In adoptions where the potential birth father is absent or unable to care for the child, the expectant mother usually works with an adoption professional to facilitate a successful adoption.

 

In most US states, it may be a legal requirement to attempt to locate the birth father before adoption can take place.

 

If you are a potential birth father who is present and supports adoption for his baby, you will be encouraged to participate in the adoption process. 

 

Some states have laws in place regarding the potential birth father’s rights, dependent upon the expectant mother’s choices.

 

3) Support for birth parents

 

If you are an expectant parent considering placing your child for adoption, having the right support network in place is crucial before, during, and after the adoption takes place. It is vital to remember that, up until the adoption is completed, you retain the right to reconsider your decision at any time. 

 

Approaching an adoption agency does not necessarily mean that adoption is the inevitable outcome, as their qualified professionals will support you throughout the decision-making process.

After the adoption takes place, it is natural for both parents to experience feelings of grief and loss. Accessing support groups and counseling services can help you process these feelings, enabling you to develop healthy coping strategies.

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If you found this article useful, you might also find this useful: Putting a child up for adoption

 

• If you are pregnant and wondering whether adoption could be the right option for you and your baby, you can contact us any time on (800)-969-6665 or by filling out this form.

 

• Adopt International is a non-profit organization. We provide extensive support and assistance to expectant mothers who are considering adoption for their child. Learn more here.

 

• If you are a family who is considering adopting a child, learn more here.