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What Are a Birth Mother’s Rights?

January 27, 2022

When birth mothers begin the adoption process, they typically ask: what are a birth mother’s rights?” It’s important for every birth mother to understand their rights and how these play a role in their adoption journey. Every birth mother has specific rights, and we want to help you understand them as much as possible. 

The Right to Choose An Adoptive Family

From the type of lifestyle, personal values, and location, you have the right to choose an adoptive family that aligns with what’s most important to you. There’s no pressure to choose an adoptive family right away, and this process looks different for every birth mother. Our team will help you understand the available options for families, and if you’re not comfortable with it, the agency can choose an adoptive family for you.

The Right To Choose a Post-Placement Relationship

What kind of adoption do you want for your child? As a birth mother, you have the right to choose a post-placement relationship. Depending on the level of contact you feel most comfortable with for your child’s adoptive family, you can choose between an open, semi-open, or closed adoption:

  • Open Adoption: you can meet the family with the option of seeing your child after placement
  • Semi-Open Adoption: you can meet the family, but contact with them is limited and managed through an adoption agency. Rather than maintaining direct communication, interaction is limited to photos and letters. 
  • Closed Adoption: you can choose to meet the family (if you are comfortable), and there is little to no contact after an adoption takes place.

The Right to Post-Placement Support 

Every birth mother has the right to receive continued support and counseling after an adoption. Adoption is a lifelong journey, and as a birth mother, it’s normal to feel a sense of grief and loss after placing a child for adoption. After all, adoption is a brave sacrifice to give your child the best chance to experience a safe and loving home. Our care team is available for post-placement support, and we’ll help you navigate through this difficult time. 

The Right to be Treated With Dignity and Respect

Birthmothers are some of the most selfless and brave people we have ever met. We understand that making an adoption plan is one of the most difficult decisions you’ll ever make, and it takes an incredible amount of courage, love, and sacrifice. For this reason, we believe every birth mother has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. No matter what you decide throughout your adoption journey, our care team will never pressure you and we’ll be here to support every decision you make. 

At New Beginnings, we’ve had many birth mothers come to us asking: what are a birth mother’s rights? It can be overwhelming to know where to start with these rights, but our team can provide you with guidance and support throughout this process. Text us at 662-507-1389 or contact us here to learn more.