I’m an Undocumented Hispanic Pregnant Woman: Is it Safe for Me to Choose Adoption?

Life can be very chaotic, and throw unexpected situations into our path. Often, this happens at the worst possible moment. This is especially true with an unplanned pregnancy. It can happen even when you are actively planning on not getting pregnant.

If you find yourself in this situation, are Hispanic or undocumented in the United States — don’t worry! You are not alone. Adoption Choices of Texas is a local adoption center that is here to help you in any way we can. So, if you are wanting to place your baby for adoption, but are concerned about the risks for yourself, read on.

 Is My Baby Considered a US Citizen?

One of the most important things, as cruel as it sounds, is that your child has to be a US citizen. A child, as of now, is automatically a US citizen if they are born in the US, though this may change in the future. 

Unfortunately, resources made for those of lower income or those who don’t have the means to get necessities the need to prevent a pregnancy are getting less accessible. If you are a Hispanic birth mother and find yourself unexpectedly pregnant, there are many resources available to you — whether you are undocumented or not. 

Is it Safe for Me as an Undocumented Hispanic Birth Mother?

Your undocumented status will never leave the agency’s doors. If that is one of your major concerns, we offer free counseling services that provides you a confidential and safe place to process your thoughts and feelings. This can help you worry less and feel more confident about placing your baby for adoption as a Hispanic birth mother. 

Your health and safety is always our top priority. We want you to feel secure, positive and empowered by your decision. Your Spanish-speaking adoption caseworker will discuss all of your options with you, and make sure to guide you to the best decision for you and your baby. We understand that you have many concerns about pregnancy and what to do as an undocumented Hispanic birth mother. But you are in good hands. Adoption Choices of Texas is the only agency in the state that is staffed with fluent Spanish-speaking adoption professionals who can help you have a successful adoption journey.

What does the Agency do with My Information?

Any and all information we collect about you is solely for the purposes of your adoption journey. Both your baby and the adoptive parents need to know your medical history to keep an eye out for anything that may happen after the adoption has been finalized. Also, knowing where you are from allows your baby to have access to your community and not lose his or her birth history. It’s an important part of who you are and their identity. Whether you are undocumented  or not, your baby will want to know about you and have the opportunity to learn about their heritage and origin. 

We will not use your information to hurt you. It’s not a trap to try to deport you. We only want what’s best for you and your baby. 

Do You Offer any Financial Assistance?

Yes we do! We have many financial resources available to help. You won’t have to worry about medical or living expenses. Anything medical-related that isn’t covered on your insurance will be taken care of by the adoptive parents. This includes, but isn’t limited to, doctor’s appointments and prenatal care. 

With living expenses, depending on your situation and what you qualify for, Adoption Choices of Texas can offer you financial assistance with court-approved expenses such as rent, utilities and more. If your living situation is unstable, we can also arrange temporary housing for you through your pregnancy.

Asking For Help

One of the hardest things to do in life is ask for help. It’s even harder to ask for help when you don’t expect it to be there. Your situation may make you feel like you can’t ask for help. But you can! Adoption is still an option for you! 

You should never have to experience an unplanned pregnancy alone. Turn to your community. Ask as many questions as you can. You are surely not the first undocumented birth mother to be looking into adoption. In fact, you might be surprised who else around you has been in this situation. 

The other thing to remind yourself of is that it’s okay to be afraid. It’s okay to be wary of the situation. Adoption Choices of Texas is here to help you and you are in the safest hands possible.  You and your baby deserve the best lives possible and Adoption Choices of Texas wants to help you achieve that. 

As an expectant woman or birth parent, to learn more about adoption, contact Adoption Choices of Texas. You can call us at 945-444-0333, text us at 945-444-0333, or email us here. If you are hoping to adopt, please visit us here. We look forward to helping you through your adoption journey!

Meet the Author: Courtney Moore was born in Huntington Beach, California. She is currently attending college for English with a minor in History. Her love for writing started at the age of 11 when she won a class competition for a personification of candy in a short story. In her junior year of high school, she was an editor for her school’s literary magazine. In her senior year of high school, her then English teacher told her that she should pursue a career as a literary scholar. The main reason she decided to not pursue that path is that her passions lied more in the creation of writings than the review of it. 

She currently lives in Las Vegas with her very spoiled cat Abby, who she happily adopted from the local animal shelter. Courtney has been a supporter of animal adoptions her whole life.

Her interest in child adoptions began at the age of 14. It was at that age that she learned of how many children were in the foster system. Her own childhood was very unstable; however, she was able to stay with at least one of her parents for a majority of it. As she got older, her interests in adoptions grew. Her hopes are that, one day, the foster care system is fixed and is treated as it should be.