Adoption in Pennsylvania
If you’re pregnant and considering adoption, you likely have a lot of questions. The first thing you should know is that you are not “giving your baby up” for adoption. Instead, you making a selfless choice by making a plan for you and your child’s future.
The adoption process may seem overwhelming at first, but in Pennsylvania, you have certain rights as a birth mother and steps you can take to make the process as straightforward as possible.
The first step is to decide if you would actually like to pursue adoption and then you can reach out to an adoption agency you would like to work with. You do not have to work with an adoption agency in Pennsylvania, but you may find it helpful to have a local agency near you. Moving forward with your creating an adoption plan with an agency may feel daunting, but you can always change your mind. Your agency will help you make an adoption plan including where you will give birth, who will be there, what type of adoption you’d like to have, and choosing an adoptive family. This plan should be tailored to whatever you are most comfortable with.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can read our blog on “How To ‘Put A Baby Up For Adoption’ In Pennsylvania” or you can call us or text us anytime at 610-613-1911.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ADOPTION IN PENNSYLVANIA
We are here for you 24/7 to discuss your options related to your unplanned pregnancy and answer any questions you may have. Below are some common questions we receive about the adoption process in Pennsylvania. You can also view our full list of FAQs or call us or text us anytime at 610-613-1911.
No one can tell you why you should or shouldn’t consider adoption. The decision is yours to make. The decision to place your baby for adoption is not an easy choice for an expectant mother, but sometimes, it is the best choice. We are here to give you information about adoption and emotional support and provide you with the resources that will help you make an informed decision.
There are many reasons women make an adoption plan during their pregnancy. Some things you want to consider are:
- Financial Security
- Family Involvement
- The Stability of your Home and Relationships
- Your Plan for the Future
- What You Think is Best for your Child
YES! The decision is entirely yours to make. When you speak with your adoption counselor, she will ask what you are looking for in an adoptive family. Based on your criteria, we will provide you with profiles of waiting families. Once you have taken some time to look over the profiles, you will have the opportunity to meet or speak with the family or families you are interested in before you make your final choice for your newborn’s adoption.
YES! A Baby Step Adoption Agency believes it is your choice whether to have an open or closed adoption. We support whichever type of adoption you decide best fits your needs and the needs of your baby. Open adoption is an adoption where the birthparents and adoptive families have the option to contact each other during the pregnancy and after the baby is born. It is entirely up to the birthparents to decide the extent of contact. Closed adoption is a rare choice today. In a closed adoption the records of the biological parents are kept private when the family adopts the baby. In this scenario, there is typically little to no contact between the biological and adoptive parents.
YES! A Baby Step Adoption Agency will offer the most support and help for you and make sure it is court approved. We will help you receive as much as your state or the state of the adopting family allows. This includes medical, shelter, maternity clothes, living expenses, food, rent, transportation, counseling services, and more. There is no cost to you for placing your baby for adoption. We will help you with planning your adoption budget. You will never pay for your adoption.
-
I was pregnant in high school, broke up with my boyfriend and I didn't know where to turn. Barbara Casey and my caseworker helped me understand the whole adoption process and I finally began to relax when I located the perfect family for my child. We have an open adoption which has given me peace of mind.
-
A Baby Step Adoption is amazing. They found me a babysitter for my children when I had my emergency c-section last month. They helped me find a safe apartment. I am so grateful and I would never work with any other agency.
-
Twenty-two years ago I placed my baby for adoption with your agency. Linda and Barbara have been wonderful. They recently helped me locate my son and now we are texting every day.
When faced with an unplanned pregnancy, you have the right to make a choice that works for you.
Remember there are countless women who have been in your shoes weighing the pros and cons of abortion vs adoption.
Being a teenager is tough enough. Facing an unwanted pregnancy as a teenage girl may seem incredibly overwhelming, but remember, you are not alone.
There are hundreds of thousands of teenagers in your position, and there is help.