5 Questions to Ask as a Pregnant Woman Considering Adoption

By Cynthia Knotts

As a pregnant woman considering adoption, you have many choices to make. You will come across many questions throughout your adoption journey. All questions are valid and have been asked before, so don’t be afraid to ask! 

Adoption Choices of Florida is available 24/7 to provide support and guide you through the adoption process. If you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and researching your options, there are multiple questions to ask as a pregnant woman considering adoption in Florida.

1. Why should I Choose Adoption? 

An unexpected pregnancy can be difficult and overwhelming. So much so that deciding how you’d like to move forward may be challenging. Many pregnant women and expectant mothers choose adoption because it ensures that their child will be placed with a loving, caring, and supportive adoptive family. That they will have their best chance at life, even if it’s not with her. 

Adoption is a selfless, loving, and brave decision to make. It allows you the opportunity to move forward and continue to pursue your life goals while helping some adoptive parents’ dreams come true. Perhaps you want a child one day, but the timing isn’t right. Perhaps you don’t see yourself having a child at all. Both of these and many others are valid reasons for choosing adoption.

2. Does Your Agency Offer Financial Assistance?

Yes! At Adoption Choices of Florida, we offer financial assistance on an as-need basis. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to receive financial support that can help you cover the following court-approved birth mother expenses:

• Rent
• Utilities
• Phone bill
• Groceries
• Doctor’s appointments and prenatal care

Be sure to consult with your adoption caseworker to see how you qualify. Many adoption agencies also offer free counseling services and post-placement support for all birth mothers, their immediate families, and the child’s birth father.

3. Will I Still be able to see and Contact My Child?

A common and natural fear that many birth mothers have is that adoption means goodbye. This, unfortunately, stems from how adoptions used to happen decades ago. Many people expected pregnant women to have their babies in private and act as if nothing happened. Fortunately, the adoption industry has improved since then, and birth mothers have the opportunity to contact their child post adoption. Many birth mothers may even have the chance at forming a relationship with both their child and the adoptive family.

However, the amount of communication you have after the adoption has been finalized — or the lack thereof — greatly depends on the type of adoption you choose in your adoption plan. There are three options: open, semi-open and closed. Each option includes its own pros and cons and a different level of openness. Our adoption agency in Florida firmly believes that open adoption is the most beneficial choice of the three, as it keeps everyone’s best interests in mind. Yet, we also know that each and every birth mother is unique and will respect whatever kind of adoption you choose for you and your child.

4. Do I have a Say in the Adoption Process?

Absolutely! Your adoption caseworker will work closely with you to create a personalized adoption plan that satisfies your unique needs and preferences. You will finalize every crucial decision. Adoption agencies will never judge or persuade you.

The ability to have control over your future — and that of your child’s — is important to our adoption agency. During the adoption process, you will be informed of all steps and decisions to ensure that you feel confident, empowered, and comfortable. Nothing happens without your say-so.

5. Can I Choose the Adoptive Parents for My Child? 

You can choose the adoptive family yourself, if you wish. This is one of the biggest decisions birth mothers make during the adoption journey. Choosing your child’s adoptive family is a huge decision and not one that can be taken lightly. You will be presented with adoptive parent profiles, and there will be no rush to make a decision. You are permitted to take your time and thoroughly consider each and every candidate. If you want to meet your adoptive parents after you select them, we can arrange a meeting. 

We perform extensive background checks on all individuals or couples who wish to adopt. Every adoptive family who works with us undergoes a “home study” in which we obtain references, proof of financial security, and an evaluation of their home from a social worker. All candidates are ready to give a loving and nurturing home to your baby.

You and your adoption caseworker can work closely to determine which adoptive family best suits your wants. 

Questions to Ask Our Adoption Agency as a Pregnant Woman Considering Adoption

Facing an unplanned pregnancy may be confusing and lead to many questions. If you are considering adoption with our adoption agency, asking questions is an important step. It is important to be aware of what our adoption agency provides and how you can best utilize all that we have to offer.

Adoption Choices of Florida will answer any questions you have. Throughout your adoption journey, both broad and specific questions may come to mind. Every birth mother’s adoption journey is different; therefore, no questions are bad questions.

If you are a pregnant woman in Florida considering adoption, and have any questions or concerns about the adoption process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. For more information on adoption, visit us at Adoption Choices of Florida or call us at: (833) 352-3678