Domestic Violence & Choosing Adoption in TX 

By River Jean-Noel 

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 4 women are a victim of domestic violence. Some women even report that intimate partner violence increases after becoming pregnant. If you’re in this situation, you might feel hopeless, like there’s no end in sight. Just know that you’re not alone, and there are resources to get you the help you need.

You deserve to be in a safe, loving home, and so does your unborn child. If you’re pondering whether you should choose adoption in Texas because of an abusive partner, you’re in the right place. You can still create a safe plan for your unplanned pregnancy. As a matter of fact, by doing so, you’re making a responsible, loving choice for your baby’s future. 

Here at Adoption Choices of Texas, we can guide you in making the best decision for your health and safety during your pregnancy. We believe in a birth-mother-focused adoption process, and your needs are always put first. In a delicate situation such as intimate partner violence, we’re looking out for the safety of you and your baby. 

Understanding Domestic Violence During Pregnancy

Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, nationality, or race. Pregnant women are an especially vulnerable demographic. Abusers find ways to use the pregnancy as an excuse for the “stress” that causes them to lash out. If you’re hearing these sentiments from your partner, know that it is not your fault they are being abusive. Stress is not an excuse to cause harm to others, and you do not deserve such treatment. 

Domestic violence during your pregnancy not only harms you physically and mentally, it can also harm your baby. If you’re sustaining consistent psychological and physical pain, it can worsen your health. Not only that, the life of your baby is also at risk. You could miscarriage, or your baby could be born prematurely due to the stress your body is under. 

Additionally, domestic violence during your pregnancy can cause you to become isolated from your family. Abusers can use psychological harm and threats to keep you from connecting with family and friends. In cases like this, the victim’s mental health takes a greater hit. Loneliness is the biggest factor in abuse cases, as victims can feel hopeless. In the case of a pregnant woman, this feeling can be multiplied because now she is facing the responsibilities of an unborn child. 

These are all valid reasons to seek resources for “putting my child up for adoption.” Domestic violence while pregnant puts two lives at risk. As a birth mother, you want what’s best for your child. When you seek resources to place a baby for adoption, you can also find solace in the adoption community. People care about you and want to help. 

How Does Domestic Violence Affect the Adoption Process? 

You might be worried that your circumstances will affect the adoption process. The adoption process is very detailed, and intimate partner violence can add more nuances. 

When adoption intersects with intimate partner violence, the most important factor is the safety of both mother and unborn child. Therefore, documentation is twice as important. You want to make sure you get to a safe place and that you can provide documentation of the abuse. This includes police reports, photos, or anything you can prove in writing, like hostile texts. This will make it easy for the court to determine that the birth father has no right to contest the adoption. 

Aside from that, the process will remain similar. You still get to speak to an adoption counselor to create an adoption plan that fits your situation. You will have the choice of what type of adoption you’d prefer. You can choose from open, semi-open, or closed adoption types. As the birth mother, you’ll have full control over which family you choose as your baby’s adoptive parents. 

You can get more detailed adoption info from the adoption agency. In Texas, Adoption Choices of Texas is a full-service, reputable adoption agency that has resources to guide you. We offer a detailed, beginning-to-end adoption service. We can provide assistance to get you in a safe housing situation and provide financial support. 

Birth Father Rights in the Adoption Process

Usually, birth fathers have rights in the adoption process. They do have to consent to placing the baby for adoption in most cases. However, there are some circumstances where a birth mother can place the baby for adoption without the birth father’s consent. 

In cases where the court classifies a parent as “unfit,” the parent-child relationship is severed. For legal purposes, this means the father has no parental rights. When it comes to adoption, this is important. That means your abuser cannot oppose your choice to place your baby for adoption, even if he’s the birth father. Some other requirements to claim unfit parents are: 

• Neglect
• Substance Addiction
• Abandonment 
• Imprisonment

Requirements can differ by state. When it comes down to the legal process, your adoption agency should guide you to the proper channels. You’ll work closely with social workers and lawyers to get the best outcome for you and your child. 

How to Get Help with Choosing Adoption in Texas

Whether you’re looking for adoption in San Antonio TX, or in Houston, or in Austin, Adoption Choices of Texas is qualified to help. Austin adoption is possible through Adoption Choices of Texas as well. Si usted habla español, nosotros hablamos también! Nosotros podemos ayudar para la adopción de bebes.

In a delicate situation such as intimate partner violence, it’s important for you to feel safe with the resources you seek out. Our adoption counselors are sensitive, empathetic, and knowledgeable. We also offer counseling services for birth mothers. You can still choose adoption in your situation, and we’ll be here to help.  

Domestic violence is not your fault, and you do not deserve to go through this alone. If you’re currently suffering from intimate partner violence, seek help and safety immediately. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. 

The information used to write this article can be found in these sources: 

• Burden, L. (2023) Adoption without parental consent- findlaw, FindLaw. Available at: https://www.findlaw.com/family/adoption/adoption-without-parental-consent.html (Accessed: 02 October 2023). 
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (2020). Domestic violence. Retrieved from https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2497/domestic_violence-2020080709350855.pdf?1596811079991