Birth Mother Adoption Bill of Rights in Arizona
Are you pregnant? Are you considering if adoption is the right choice for you? We at Adoption Choices of Arizona do not want you to worry. We are here to help you make the right choice for you and your baby. Our mission is to properly inform you of all your possible options so that you can feel confident in your decision. You, as an expectant mother, have the right to choose what you do with your child. The Birth Mother Adoption Bill might vary from state to state, but we want to inform you of the specific rights you have in Arizona.
If you need adoption help now, please call or text us at 1-480-900-5520 or visit us at Adoption Choices of Arizona.
Understanding the Birth Mother Adoption Bill of Rights
First, you have three different options to choose from after realizing you are pregnant. Your options are to parent your child, terminate your pregnancy, or choose an adoptive family. Whichever one you choose, we strongly encourage that it is chosen because it is best for you. You and your baby are the only ones who matter in this decision. We realize you might have a bunch of emotions racing through you at the moment, so that’s why we are here to properly inform you of everything.
You have the right to choose everything along the way. Each little detail or decision is made by you. If you were to choose adoption, then there are more rights that you have that you need to be aware of. It is up to you where your baby is placed and with whom. It is also up to you how much contact you wish to have with your child. Although you might be choosing adoption, you are still the birth mother of your child, and you have parental rights until your baby is given to another family.
Your Right to Contact
Even after your baby has been adopted, it is important for you to be aware that you do not lose all contact with your child. You are still able to be in communication with the birth family and your child. We at Adoption Choices of Arizona require that the adoptive family be open to the idea of sending photos and letters at least once a year until the child reaches adult age. It all depends on the openness of the adoption and the relationship you have with the adoptive family. If you wish, you may also submit letters through our agency that we can send directly to the adoptive family.
What Happens While I Am in The Hospital?
Your parental rights are not necessarily terminated as soon as you give birth. Again, the choice is entirely up to you. While you are in the hospital, you are free to see your baby as much as you wish. At Adoption Choices of Arizona, our concern is you, the birth mother, and we respect your wishes. It is typical for the adoptive family to be at the hospital while you are in labor, and in most cases, the baby leaves the hospital with them. You and your baby are discharged simultaneously, and that is when you will go your separate ways.
We realize labor and post-birth can be a very emotional time for birth mothers. We provide emotional support counseling to help you process your emotions during this difficult time. While the paperwork is being completed, we ask the adoptive family to remain in the state of Arizona if they are from out-of-state for at least two weeks. Once it is completed, they may take the child and leave for their home. As of then, your parental rights are relinquished.
The Arizona adoption process might sound scary or intimidating to some birth mothers. It might make some feel like they are giving their baby up for adoption. You are, in fact, not giving anything up. You are offering your child an extraordinary life with a safe and loving family. At Adoption Choices of Arizona, we hope you can find comfort in having some form of contact with the adoptive family until the child reaches the age of 18. Again, the amount of communication is based on the openness of adoption and your comfortability as the birth mother and the adoptive family.
For adoption resources or to begin your adoption journey, birth parents can visit us at Adoption Choices of Arizona or call or text us at 1-480-900-5520. If you are a prospective adoptive family hoping to adopt a baby, please instead, visit us here!
Meet the Author: Gabriella Dobson was born and raised in Ohio. She is currently a senior at Miami University majoring in professional writing with a focus on editing. She also minors in criminology and general business. She is a skilled barista and enjoys sipping her coffee with a good book in her hand. She is passionate about helping others and making a difference in the lives around her. With her involvement in St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Women Helping Women, she is able to provide resources for those in need of support.
