Because you’re still finding your place in the world, an unplanned pregnancy as a teen can feel like a dead-end if you don’t know what your options are.
To get more information about your unplanned pregnancy options as a teen, reach out to an adoption professional today for the guidance you need.
If you’re a teenager considering putting your baby up for adoption, you might be wondering if this is an option for you.
The answer is yes. You can always choose adoption for teenage pregnancy. This is your unplanned pregnancy and you are the only one who knows what’s best for you and your baby.
The few differences between the adoption process for adults and minors are small. In this article, you can learn more about the adoption process for teenagers facing an unplanned pregnancy.
Can a Minor “Give a Child Up” For Adoption?
Yes. You can always choose adoption for teenage pregnancy regardless of your status as a minor. If you feel this decision is in the best interest of you and your baby, adoption is always an option for you.
While the adoption process for teens is very similar to that of adults, state laws may vary when it comes to adoption and teenage pregnancy. Here’s what you need to know:
Some states require that your parents consent to the adoption.
- Most states have laws protecting the rights of teenagers considering putting t their baby up for adoption.
- Very few states require the permission of the minor’s parents.
- If you are in a state that requires your parents’ permission for the adoption, this typically only applies if you are under 13 or 14 years of age.
Because every state’s adoption laws are different, we encourage you to reach out to an adoption professional to get the information you need about adoption in your situation. If you’d like to talk to someone today, here are a few professionals to consider:
Pros and Cons of Teenage Adoption
When it comes to teenage pregnancy and adoption, the pros greatly outweigh the cons.
With the right adoption agency, you will have access to many helpful resources and services to help you have a successful and positive adoption experience. Your adoption professional will help you create an adoption plan tailored to your situation.
Just a few of the benefits of adoption for teenage pregnancy are:
- You will be able to continue towards your goals. As a teen experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, you’re just getting started with planning your future. You might want to go to college, join the work force or travel. Raising a child as a teen might not align with these goals.
- You’ll have financial assistance. As a minor, you likely still rely on your parents for most of your financial support. As a prospective birth mother, adoption is completely free to you. You will even have financial assistance to go towards your pregnancy costs and living expenses.
- You get to pick the adoptive parents. Even as a minor, you will always have complete control over your adoption plan. This means you will be able to choose the family that will raise your child. Your adoption professional will be able to guide you through this process.
- 24/7 counseling. There are a lot of complex emotions that come with unplanned pregnancies and adoption. That’s why there are counselors available 24/7 to talk you through what you’re feeling.
- And more.
How to Put a Baby Up for Adoption If You Are a Teen
“How does a teenager give a baby up for adoption?”
Aside from the few states that require parental permission for adoption, your adoption process will be similar to the adoption process of a legal adult. You will be able to make all your own decisions when it comes to your adoption experience.
Step 1. Choose an Adoption Professional
To start with, you will need to find an adoption professional that you feel meets all of your needs. You will be able to sit down and make an adoption plan that will act as a blueprint for your adoption. Your adoption professional will be there to guide you as you create your plan, but you call the shots. Only you know what’s best for you and your baby.
Step 2. Choose the Adoptive Family
Part of this blueprint is choosing the adoptive parents for your child. You will be able to tell your adoption professional what qualities you want in the hopeful adoptive parents, and they will find adoptive family profiles that fit your preferences. You will be able to look through these profiles until you find the perfect adoptive family for your baby.
Step 3. Get to Know the Adoptive Family
Once you have chosen the adoptive family, you will have the opportunity to get to know them to ensure they are the right family to adopt your child. Your adoption professional will arrange a mediated conference call between you and the adoptive family where you can ask them questions.
Step 4. Complete the Placement and Post-Placement Contact
Once the baby is born you will consent to the adoption and terminate your parental rights so that the adoption can be finalized. This doesn’t mean you won’t ever see your child again. If you feel comfortable with the idea of open adoption, you will be able to stay in touch with your child and their adoptive family.
You can do this through:
- Texts and phone calls
- Emails
- Video chat
- In-person visits
This post-placement contact will allow you to stay in touch with your child so that you watch them grow and thrive, and they will never have to wonder about their adoption story.
If you’re a teenager considering putting your baby up for adoption, your status as a minor won’t prevent you from giving your baby an amazing life with the perfect adoptive family. To get more information about adoption for teenage pregnancy, reach out to an adoption professional today.
