Putting My Baby Up for Adoption in Texas Because of My Bad Relationship 

By Jaclyn Prasa

Adoption might be a good alternative if you just learned about your unexpected pregnancy and feel like it is not the right time for you to raise a baby because you are in a bad relationship. First, if you are in a relationship with an abusive partner, the most important first step is to get out. If you’ve been harmed, call 911 for immediate attention. You can also call the National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 800-799-7233. Whether you need to find safe housing, need to develop a safety plan, or if you need someone to talk to, their lines are open 24/7 to assist you. 

If your situation differs, your relationship is not abusive, but ultimately you do not think your house would be a nurturing environment for a little one. Adoption is still a wonderful option. If you have been searching “putting my child up for adoption,” “adoption center near me,” or “local adoption agencies,” you might as well start with our adoption agency in Houston. 

The process is confidential. Our counselors are trained professionals who are equipped to help birth mothers in unstable situations. We have many resources to help alleviate any stresses and offer you support. You are not alone in the process. At Adoption Choices of Texas, we are here to help. 

Is the Birth Father’s Consent Needed?

In theory, yes. The birth father would need to give consent before you are able to give up your baby for adoption in Texas. In the state of Texas, a birth mother cannot place her baby up for adoption without informing the birth father. 

However, in Texas, a birth father is a legally established biological father only through marriage. If unmarried, the father does not have parental rights to the baby. Unless he establishes parental rights, so if you and the birth father are unmarried, you would not need his consent for adoption. However, he would be able to contest the adoption if he were able to establish paternity.  

If you are married to the birth father and know that his support is inconceivable, adoption is still possible. In Texas, parental rights must be freely terminated. Therefore, your best bet is to contact Adoption Choices of Texas to discuss your options. We can offer you a legal advisor who is equipped with the knowledge of adoption legal law. They can help assist you through the steps needed to terminate the birth father’s parental rights. Based on the grounds of his abuse, neglect, and nonsupport, the courts would be able to terminate his rights. 

Your Rights as Birth Mother

As a birth mother, you have the right to give your baby up for adoption at any stage during your pregnancy or after. Even if you have not had prenatal care, adoption is still an option. In Texas, after you give birth, you have 48 hours before you are able to give consent to the adoption. If you change your mind in those hours, that is OK, as parental rights are yours. Once you sign the relinquishment of rights, after those 48 hours, then the adoption is finalized, and parental rights belong to your chosen family.

Part of the adoption process involves you choosing the family who will raise your baby. We have many wonderful families awaiting the chance to raise a child. You can be certain that you are making the right choice for your baby by giving them opportunities that you may not be able to currently provide. The choice to put your baby up for adoption is not easy. But it is the most loving choice that you can make. 

You can choose the amount of contact you wish to keep with your baby. There are three options: open, semi-open, or closed adoption. Open adoption means more contact and communication between the adoptive family and your baby. Meanwhile, closed means no contact and no communication. You choose what works best for you. Decide how involved you wish to be in your baby’s life. Maybe no contact would suit you best. It might be easier to move forward, feeling at ease that your baby is growing up healthily and safely. 

How Adoption Choices of Texas Can Support You

Our adoption agency in Houston offers several resources to birth mothers who need assistance:

Financial Stability 

You are making a selfless choice by giving up your baby for adoption. We want to ensure that the process is as easy for you as possible. If you need help with rent or utility bills, we can cover you. We know that this is already a stressful time for you, so we wish to alleviate one more of your concerns. Financial assistance varies by case. Once you contact us, you will be assigned to an adoption counselor. Together, you two will put together a financial plan, which is included in your adoption plan. 

Safe Housing 

If you are in a bad relationship, that may contribute to an unstable home. We can find you safe, clean, and comfortable living accommodations during and after your pregnancy. 

Medical Care

Your and your baby’s health is the most important thing during pregnancy. We can help you find doctors and nurses for prenatal care. You and your counselor will develop a birth plan together. We can also offer transportation to and from appointments. 

Supportive Counseling

Giving up your baby for adoption is emotionally challenging. When you need to talk, we are here for you. Our counseling is offered 24/7, and it is 100% free and confidential. During your pregnancy or even post-placement, we will be here for you. 

Choosing Adoption for Your Baby

There may be hundreds of thoughts circling your mind as you try to decide what is best for you and your baby. Choosing adoption means giving your baby more of what you currently cannot provide, which means a safe home. It also allows you control. At Adoption Choices of Texas, we want to support you during this process. 

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!

Adoption Choices of Texas es la única agencia de adopción con servicios completamente en esapñol en el estado de Texas. Si está embarazada y necesita ayuda, llámenos o envíenos un mensaje de texto y uno de nuestros especialistas en adopción podrá ayudarlo. Podemos ayudarte con la adopcion de niños. Para obtener más información sobre el proceso de adopción como una mujer embarazada o una madre biológica, comuníquese con Adoption Choices of Texas. Para español llamar: 888-510-5029