Unwanted Pregnancy During a Pandemic: How Adoption Choices of Texas is Providing Adoption Services During COVID-19 

It is no secret that the novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19, has drastically changed how we live our daily lives. From grocery shopping to the 9-5 workday, nothing is the same. Not to mention that when the pandemic hit, everyday activities and social gatherings came to a stretching halt, leaving many feeling alone and isolated. Even after a year, it feels as if our lives are still not quite back to normal. The question still remains, what can I do if I am experiencing an unwanted pregnancy during a pandemic? Here at Adoption Choices of Texas, however, we want to assure you that adoption is one thing that will be available during these troubling times. And with our team of caring adoption professionals, you will never feel alone during the Texas adoption process.

Since adoption is considered an essential service, it isn’t going anywhere. While other shops and companies may need to amend their hours or availability during the pandemic, Adoption Choices of Texas will always be ready when you need us, 24/7. Despite the complications that COVID-19 may cause in other elements of your life, our team of available adoption experts will make sure that the success of your adoption is unaffected by the virus. This means that no matter when or where you decide to pursue adoption for your baby, you can always reach us via text, call, video chat, or email. 

If you need help with adoption now, you can call us at 945-444-0333, text us at 945-444-0333, or email us here.

A Few Things That May Be Different For a Texas Adoption During COVID-19

How we communicate with you – While Adoption Choices of Texas is still open for in-person consultations, we are also available to meet with you over the phone or via Zoom if that is preferred. In our facility, wellness will be ensured through a combination of sanitization, hygienic practices, vaccination, and masking. It is our belief that you should always feel safe no matter which way you decide to reach us.

Hospital procedures – In conjunction with the stated measures from our CAO, Texas hospital procedures may be altered due to COVID-19. The hospital will require all birth parents, visitors, doctors, and staff to wear masks while they are in the facility. It is recommended to consult the hospital directly in reference to who may be allowed to be present at the time of birth, as different units may have different regulations depending on when the child is scheduled to arrive. All parties present will be asked to remain in their assigned rooms as much as possible to avoid possible spread or contamination.

The birthing process itself has experienced a few changes due to the Coronavirus. The birth mother’s temperature will be taken throughout the delivery to monitor her condition.  Although anyone who is experiencing flu-like symptoms prior to the birth may be asked to find other services, many hospitals are equipped to handle COVID-19 in mothers as they would with other patients. A confirmed case of COVID-19 found while going into labor, will simply limit the number of people allowed to be present for the delivery to the birth parents as well as result in frequent testing and monitoring of both the mother and baby. Fortunately, few children born of mothers infected by COVID-19 end up testing positive within the first few days. If a baby does contract COVID-19, they will be tested every 24-48 hours until two consecutive COVID tests come back negative. If this is the case, the adoptive parents and their pediatrician will be notified so that the child may continue to be monitored even after placing your baby for adoption.

Check-in and discharge may also look quite different than before. COVID tests may be required for birth mothers upon entrance to the hospital, as well as any other individuals who are allowed visitation. Upon exit, both the mother and child will be tested for COVID as well as any other contagious pathogens. We want to ensure that when you arrive at and leave the hospital, you are in good health.

The speed of the adoption process – State closures due to the Coronavirus may result in certain aspects of the adoption process being slower than normal. However, with many state departments resuming regular business hours, any delay is minimal. 

While most communication can occur digitally between you and our adoption agency San Antonio without any issues, certain practices such as home studies and post-placement supervision for adoptive parents that must be conducted in person may be delayed. 

Overall, our team is dedicated to completing the process as thoroughly and efficiently as possible. While we want to get your child into their new home as soon as we can, it is also important to stick to CDC and state protocols to keep everyone safe. On the bright side, there are plenty of loving parents willing to wait to adopt your child. Most of them have waited months or even years for a child, so a few weeks more is not a dealbreaker.

What Will Not Change For a Texas Adoption During COVID-19

The fact that you can adopt – As mentioned before, even in the pandemic, adoption is still a choice for anyone looking to pursue it. Adoption Choices of Texas is open and ready to serve you in any way we can!

The use of your adoption plan – Even though certain elements of the adoption process have changed due to the pandemic, your adoption plan doesn’t have to. You can still follow through with each step with one of our staff members by your side. Any previous adoption placements that have been put into place, will be fulfilled. 

Support and finances offered – Any assistance that you have been or would have been offered pre-pandemic can still be obtained. Financial support from organizations or the adoptive family will continue to be offered to birth parents who require medical, housing, or legal aid. In terms of emotional support, free counseling will continue to be offered to any birth parent struggling with the loss of their child.

The adoption process – Just as you can still use your adoption plan, you can also complete the typical adoption process. There will still be the same paperwork, discussions, types of adoption to choose from, and selection of a fitting adoptive family.

Unwanted Pregnancy During a Pandemic and Placing Your Child Up For Adoption 

While this pandemic may cause a great deal of frustration and fear, Adoption Choices of Texas is here to provide comfort. Despite the inconveniences that may occur due to safety protocols and shutdowns, rest assured that everything put into place is with you and your child’s best interest in mind. While it is important to us that your child finds a loving home, it is even more important that they stay safe. After all, adoption in Texas is all about giving your child the best future possible. So don’t let the pandemic get in the way of your family’s plans, call and schedule a safe and secure appointment with us today! 

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: Peter is a writer and editor based in New York. Currently studying at Binghamton University, Peter is majoring in English Literature and Rhetoric. Whether working with Marketing Choices or the mental health blog, Runaway, Peter seeks to provide comfort and warmth to those around him through his writing. A huge advocate for change, Peter looks to promote adoption, mental health awareness, disability awareness, and environmental improvement. Forever looking to make meaningful connections, Peter can be found with a group of friends or going on walks and waving to anyone he passes.