Common Adoption Questions for Pregnant Women

If you are pregnant and considering adoption, you likely have many different questions. Because of the significance of such a life-changing decision, you want the best resources and guidance to find the answers to your questions. 

American Adoptions is here to help.

With over 30 years of experience as one of the nation’s largest domestic infant adoption agencies, we have heard nearly every adoption-related question you can think of — and our adoption professionals are here to provide the answers. This guide answers some of the most common adoption questions in Florida we hear from birth mothers just like you.

Remember, anytime you have adoption or unplanned pregnancy-related questions, you can always call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our online form to speak with an adoption specialist and to get the answers that you need. Until then, keep reading this guide on the 11 most common adoption questions American Adoptions is asked.

Adoption FAQ

Whether you are in the early stages of your adoption research or have decided adoption is best for your baby and are ready to begin making an adoption plan, it’s natural to have questions about adoption in Florida. 

Below you will find frequently asked questions from expectant mothers about adoption in Florida.

1.      How do I choose an adoption agency?

The adoption agency you choose will impact the overall experience of your adoption, so you want to be sure to choose the best agency for your needs. When searching for an agency, you want to find the right blend of knowledge, expertise, and personal connection. Finding a full-service agency helps make your adoption run smoother, as you can complete all requirements in one place and not have to find multiple resources.

American Adoptions checks all of those boxes and more. 

As a national, full-service licensed Florida adoption agency, we have helped thousands of birth mothers complete successful adoptions through our agency. With over 30 years of experience in adoption, our expertise is unmatched, and so is our service level. Because our staff is made up of birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees, we can connect to you personally — we have been in your shoes before and understand exactly what you are going through. 

Finding the right agency is one of the most important decisions you can make during your adoption journey. If you have questions about the services our agency can provide, unplanned pregnancy, or anything adoption-related, call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with an adoption professional. 

2.      How much does adoption cost?

Given the financial impact of pregnancy and raising a child, this is one of the most common adoption questions in Florida we hear.

For birth mothers, it does not cost anything to place your child for adoption. The adoptive family and any eligible insurance will cover all adoption services and expenses. With such a brave and selfless decision as adoption, you shouldn’t be faced with a financial burden. This is why all services, including legal representation to complete the adoption, medical expenses to pay for the labor and delivery, any counseling services you may require, and other adoption expenses are covered at no cost to you.

3.      What is adoption financial assistance?

Every day, we are asked many different good adoption questions. These often include questions about adoption financial assistance.

Each birth mother’s living situation is different. In many cases, to ensure you can have a healthy pregnancy, and to help relieve any financial strain, you will likely be eligible to receive adoption financial assistance. The amount you will be eligible for will depend on your current situation and specific needs. This financial assistance helps cover pregnancy-related expenses, such as:

• Your rent
• Car payment
• Pregnancy-related expenses,
• Utilities
• Groceries
• Maternity clothes
• And more

Financial assistance will vary per each adoption situation and is mandated by the Florida court system. Although your adoption specialist will help you obtain the assistance you are eligible to receive, they do not control the amount. You can learn more about Florida adoption financial assistance here.

4.      How do I find an adoptive family?

Although the questions people ask about adoption vary, often, the top adoption questions in Florida often have to do with the most important and exciting step of the adoption process — finding the adoptive family for your baby.

You are in complete control of the family you choose for your baby. 

Based on your preferences, which can include things like where they live, how big their family is, what types of things they enjoy, how they plan on raising your child, their religious beliefs, parent's ethnicity, and more, you will work with your adoption specialist to find the perfect family. They will then provide you with adoption profiles of families who match your preferences. When you find a family or families that you feel a connection to, your specialist will facilitate communication between you and the family so you can get to know them better.

Once you have found a family you feel comfortable with and have made a strong enough personal connection with, you will select them as the family you want to place your child with. 

American Adoptions completes in-depth screening on every family we work with to ensure you and your child will be safe when going through the selection process. With a decision as important as finding the adoptive family for your baby, you want to take your time, do your research, and follow your heart.

If you’d like to start looking for adoptive families on your own, you can browse waiting families’ profiles here.

5.      Can I change my adoption decisions?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions from expectant mothers about adoption in Florida. Whether you want to change the adoptive family you have selected, your preferences on open or closed adoption, or are even considering parenting instead of adoption, as long as you haven't signed any consent paperwork, you can change your mind. You are in complete control of all adoption decisions; therefore you can change your mind if you feel the need to.

With that said, given the emotional impact adoption can have on hopeful adoptive families, it is also recommended that you do not commit to an adoption plan unless you are sure this is right for you and your child. 

Everyone involved in the adoption wants to make sure you are 100%comfortable with the adoption before you complete any paperwork. Keep in mind, you will be asked to complete the adoption paperwork and legally relinquish your parental rights shortly after the birth of your baby, so you have the right and ability to change your mind before that taking place. 

No matter if it’s a small change in your adoption plan, or something bigger like considering parenting instead of placing your child with an adoptive family, speak with your adoption specialist about any doubts, concerns, or thoughts you have on making changes.

6.      Is open adoption right for me?

Some of the most frequently asked questions from expectant mothers about adoption have to do with the relationship they will have with their child and the adoptive family. Post-adoption questions focus on if birth mothers will see their child again. It is important to note, you are in complete control of your adoption, which includes the relationships you will have post-placement. 

The best way to ensure you can remain involved and updated on your child’s life is through open adoption. When you begin looking for adoptive families, you will inform your adoption specialists of the level of openness you wish to have during your adoption. You can find peace of mind knowing that every hopeful adoptive family American Adoptions works with is willing to enter into an open adoption. 

Depending upon the level of openness you and the family you choose to agree upon, you may receive pictures of your child periodically throughout the year, you may talk to your child on the phone, and you may even get to visit your child and the adoptive family now and then. Adoptive families share the same goals you do for your adoption, which is providing the best opportunities. 

If you are interested in remaining involved in your child’s life and continuing a relationship with the adoptive family after placement occurs, open adoption is right for you.

7.      Do I have to tell the birth father about my adoption plans?

Some of the most popular questions about adoption in Florida have to do with the birth father. These questions are important because if not asked early, there can be complications later in the adoption process. A good rule of thumb for all adoptions is, if you have a relationship with the birth father, no matter how strong, or even if you have little to no relationship, but know who he is, you will likely need to tell him about your adoption decision. This helps avoid potential legal issues that may arise if you do not inform him.

There are some situations where you do not need consent, but those situations must be approved by a judge in the Florida court system. Birth father rights and involvement in adoption can vary greatly based on several factors. To learn more about birth father rights in Florida and your options for consent, call 1-800-ADOPTION 

8.      Do I have to tell people about my adoption?

With such an emotional and personal decision, we are frequently asked questions about privacy in adoption. It is important to know unless you are a minor, you are not legally obligated to tell anyone about your adoption plans. Although it is highly recommended that you inform the birth father, in some situations, you do not need to inform him either, and you can proceed with your adoption plan without his consent. 

Keeping your adoption private is completely up to you. If this is the path you prefer to take, you will want to inform your adoption specialist. They will offer suggestions on the best ways to keep your adoption private, and in some cases, may even be able to provide housing options so that you can keep your pregnancy private as well. 

9.      Will I be on the birth certificate?

Another of the commonly asked questions about adoption has to do with the birth certificate. We are often asked if you put a baby up for adoption, is your name on the birth certificate or that of the adopting parent? 

The answer is both.

As the birth mother, your name will always be on the original birth certificate. If you are wanting to keep your adoption private, this may lead you to ask, If I’m putting my baby up for adoption, do I have to put my name on the birth certificate?

The answer is yes.

You will have to put your name on the birth certificate that you sign at the hospital. If you are trying to remain private in your adoption, in many states such as Florida, the original birth certificate will be sealed and made private after the adoption.

But what about the adoptive family? If a child is adopted from birth, are the adoptive parents on the birth certificate in Florida?

The answer is yes. 

The adoptive parents will be listed as parents, but it will most likely be on an amended birth certificate. After your child is placed with their adoptive family, the parents will go through the adoption finalization process, and at this point, the adoptive parents will receive an amended birth certificate. 

The amended birth certificate is the one the child will use throughout their life. If you are concerned about privacy issues regarding your name being on the birth certificate, your adoption specialist can explain the process in more detail. 

10.  Will I name my child?

Much like questions about birth certificates, we are often asked questions about naming your baby. Adoption leaves many birth mothers wondering, whenever you give a baby up for adoption, do you decide a name or do they?

Like all decisions dealing with adoption, you are in control of whether or not you want to name your baby. 

Depending upon your relationship with the adoptive family, this may be something that has been agreed upon before delivery. Keep in mind, there is a possibility that even if you name your child, the adoptive family may change their name after placement has occurred and finalization has taken place.

In some situations, the birth mother has already named her child at the hospital. Because of this, we have been asked, “Can I still give my baby up for adoption and have an open adoption if I already named the baby?” Naming your child should have no impact on your ability to pursue an open adoption relationship. In many open adoptions, naming and who is in charge of naming is discussed during the pre-placement contact. 

Ultimately, if you feel strongly about naming your child, discuss this with your specialist while making your adoption plan.

11.  Will the adoptive family love my child?

Some of the most frequently asked adoption questions in Florida are questions or concerns dealing with the relationship an adoptive family will have with your child. Will the adoptive family love your child? 

Absolutely.

Every adoptive family has a different reason for wanting to adopt, but all of those reasons center around one common theme – providing your child a lifetime of love and care. Much like you choosing adoption because you want what is best for your child, adoptive families are doing the same. They are choosing adoption because they know they can provide what is best for your child. A lifetime of support, opportunities, and love.

There are many different things you may worry about during an unplanned pregnancy and adoption journey, wondering if the adoptive family will love your child is not one of them. The answer is, and always will be yes.

Do You Have Other Questions?

This list answered some of the most common adoption questions we hear from birth mothers who are considering or have chosen adoption for their pregnancy. If you have other questions that were not asked or answered, call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out this online form to get the answers you need. 

Adoption can sometimes seem complicated. With the right professional by your side, any confusion or stress can be eliminated – allowing you to focus on the life-changing opportunities it can provide. Let American Adoptions be that professional to guide you through a successful adoption.

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