Adoption Rights

You have the right to be free from pressure to make a decision for or against adoption.

You have the right to total confidentiality if you choose.

You have the right to impartial counseling by a trained professional, so you can review all your options.

You have the right to a safe and legal process.

You have a right to choose the parents who will adopt your child and meet them, if desired.

You have a right to make a open adoption agreement to permit you pictures, letters or personal contact with the child after placement. You also have the right to a closed adoption if you choose.

You have a right to name your child on his or her first birth certificate. The adoptive parents have a right to name the child on the second birth certificate which will be issued after the adoption is final.

You have the right to an attorney at the expense of the adoptive parents.

You have the right to receive counseling from the counselor of your choice at the expense of the adoptive parents. You also have the right to decline counseling.

You have the right to have the adoptive parents pay for your birth related medical expenses.

If you are placing a newborn child for adoption, in certain states you may have the right to financial assistance with your reasonable and actual housing, utilities, maternity clothes and transportation. You may also decline financial assistance.

You have the right to see or not see your child before you place him or her for adoption.