Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our family members fully supported our life decisions? It makes such a difference to have them say, “Yes, that’s a great idea!” Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen.
Creating an adoption plan for your child is not an easy decision, but it can lead to many positive outcomes. One of the best ways to achieve the most positive experience from adoption, for both you and your child, is to thoughtfully create an adoption plan.
Explain Your Rights as an Expectant Mother
Only a few decades ago, adoption was very secretive. Expectant mothers or birth mothers had no idea who adopted their child or even where they went.
Adoptees had no way of finding their birth families. The courts sealed the original birth certificates, and adoption agencies didn’t release information.
That has all changed now. Today, expectant mothers or birth mothers make all of the decisions. They choose who will adopt their child and where the child will go.
By telling your family about your rights as the biological mother, you will help them understand the process and perhaps have a better understanding of why you’re choosing adoption.
You Have Rights
In Oklahoma, an expectant mother or birth mother has the right to:
- Receive a thorough explanation of the entire adoption process.
- Receive adoption counseling without manipulation or coercion.
- Select the adoptive couple who will raise your child.
- Choose the future you want your child to have.
- Review the adoption plans and choose the amount of communication you are most comfortable with. (An open, semi-open, or closed adoption plan)
- Pay nothing for adoption services.
- Receive all medical services at no cost, including prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care.
- Receive legal services at no cost.
- Receive travel and transportation costs for medical or adoption placement needs.
- Receive financial assistance for other pregnancy-related expenses such as housing, utilities, food, and childcare for any minor child associated with pregnancy-related medical care.
- Receive a one-time gift from the prospective adoptive parents no greater than $100.
- Not sign any legal paperwork until 72 hours after the birth of your child.
- Change your mind at any time up until you sign a legal document.
- Receive communication and photos from the adoptive family after finalization.
How Can Stillwater Life Services Assist Me?
We are not a licensed child-placing agency, but we can provide referrals to reputable adoption professionals in our area. Choosing adoption is a brave, selfless, yet difficult choice, but often the decisions that are the most difficult turn out to be the best.
If you would like to discuss this option in greater detail, please contact us. You can arrange a free, confidential meeting with a peer advocate by filling out our online Contact Form or calling (405) 624-3332.
You have the power to do this, and we’re here to help you.