Choosing Adoption As A Teen In Texas 

By Conner Sura

Being a teen is tough. You have to worry about your school performance, work, and your social life. Then discovering you are pregnant turns all this upside down. An unplanned pregnancy can be a devastating experience for teenagers. Although, if you are a teenager experiencing a planned pregnancy, it may seem like the world is ending. We would like to remind you that you are not helpless and that Adoption Choices of Texas specializes in helping pregnant teens.  You find more adoption info on our Austin service page. 

No matter your age. Adoption Choices of Texas is here to help you. Si hablas español, puedes encontrar información sobre la adopción de bebes aquí.

Understanding Teen Pregnancy In Texas 

Although the media likes to portray teenagers not having the same options as their adult counterparts, that is not the case. Teen birth mothers are entitled to all the same privileges as adult birth mothers. Placing your child up for adoption can be stressful. It is important to know that your age does not determine the kind of support you receive. During the adoption, you will meet with an adoption specialist who will help you determine the kind of support you need. 

What Are My Teen Pregnancy Options In Texas?

You might be wondering what your teen pregnancy options are in Texas. The first is to raise your baby yourself. Remember, being a mother is not defined by age. It is a personal choice that only you can make. Another unfortunate thing is that teen moms are often judged and ridiculed by society. Often being called names and other derogatory titles. Furthermore, there are many different resources out there that can help teen moms, like our Austin service.  

Another option is to terminate your pregnancy, however, after the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022. Texas law prohibits abortion after six weeks. Additionally, you need parental permission if you are under eighteen. 

Lastly, you could put your baby up for adoption. A misconception is that placing your baby up for adoption is expensive and costs a lot of money. That is not true. Adoption is free for all birth mothers. Choosing adoption will mean that you give up all your parental rights. Henceforth, you get to choose who adopts your child and the kind of support you receive. You are in control of your adoption process. You will be assigned an adoption specialist who will help you and answer any questions you may have about adoption.  

 All of your options have certain benefits and drawbacks. It is important to know what you want before choosing.  

Creating a Teenage Birth Plan in Texas 

How do you start adoption in Texas as a teenager? If you have decided that adoption is the way to go, that is great! Although you might seem alone and sometimes even cornered, it is important to remember that Adoption Choices of Texas will be by your side every step of the way. No matter where you are from or your age, you will not be alone.   

To start your adoption process, you first contact Adoption Choices of Texas, and from there, we assign you a specialist that will help you create an adoption plan. An adoption plan is a framework that you will create with your adoption specialist that will lay out your desires. This includes your preferences for the adoptive family, any financial, medical, or psychological support you may need, and a birth plan.  

After you complete your adoption plan, you and your specialist will study different family profiles to find a family that suits your needs for your child. Under the law, all adoptive families are required to pass a home study. A home study is when an adoption counselor checks an adoptive family’s home to make sure that it is safe for a child. This includes a background check. You can be reassured that your child will grow up in a loving home. 

The final step is to wait until the birth. During this period, you will be eligible for any financial aid for your pregnancy, including housing, medical, free counseling, and other necessities that you may need. After you give birth, you have 48 hours to waive your parental rights.

Adoption Agencies In Texas. 

One of the most important choices in choosing adoption is looking for the right agency. Yes, his may be super stressful. However, choosing the right agency is important, and when you choose, Adoption Choices of Texas will be with you every step of the way.

We provide Austin adoption, Dallas adoption, and adoption in San Antonio, TX. If you live in Houston and are looking to put your child up for adoption, we have a branch in the city. También brindamos apoyo a las madres que no hablan inglés que buscan información sobre la adopción en adopción de bebes. Rest assured that no matter what you choose, Adoption Choices of Texas will support you throughout your adoption process.