Frequently Asked Questions

By definition, adoption is the legal act of permanently placing a child with someone other than the child's biological parents. Open adoption includes the birthparents and adoptive parents meeting one another, sharing full identifying information, and having direct access to ongoing contact over the years.

In fully Open Adoptions, all of the choices are up to you. You have the right to:
– Choose an adoptive family for your baby.
– Choose the amount of contact you would like as the baby grows up.
– Choose who you would like to have support you at the hospital.

Not at all. Our services are absolutely free for women who are pregnant. Depending on which state you live in, you may even qualify for additional financial assistance for things related to your pregnancy. Through the IAC, you are eligible to receive free, confidential, adoption-related counseling and support services.

Absolutely. We believe that you know best when it comes to choosing the perfect family for your baby. We can help to introduce you to families from all different parts of the country, and from many different backgrounds. You might want to start by looking at some families that are waiting to adopt

That's OK. It is not too late to make an adoption plan. If you are interested in speaking to a counselor, we can help you to make an adoption plan that you are comfortable with. We have families that are ready to meet you immediately, if that's what you would like. We often work with women who call us from the hospital to make an adoption plan after they deliver. Our job is to help you make a plan that you can feel good about.

Depending on what state you reside in, you may be able to qualify for financial assistance. In many states it is legal for an adoptive family to help pay for pregnancy-related expenses. That can include things like:
– Medical bills
– Maternity clothes
– Transportation
– Food and rent

If you are pregnant and over the age of 12, then you are legally able to make a confidential adoption plan.
If you would like assistance with how to talk to your family and friends about your pregnancy, or about adoption, our counselors are available to help. The decision about who to tell, when to tell, and how to tell, is ultimately up to you.

The laws about a father's rights differ based on which state you live in. If you would like to have the father of your baby participate in making an adoption plan with you, you can. Some women find that they are making an adoption plan alone. We can help you to understand the laws in your state, and what rights the baby's father will have. You will find more answers to your questions about a father's rights in our Services For Men section.

If you decide to make an adoption plan, you will choose how you want your hospital experience to be. Our adoptive families are able to bring the baby directly home from the hospital, if that is what you choose.  Some women choose to be supported by an adoptive family in the hospital. Some women choose to have their friends or family members there. Some women prefer to have some alone time with the baby in the hospital. Our counselors can help you to decide what would feel the most comfortable for you.

You will not sign any paperwork that terminates your rights to the baby until AFTER the baby is born. You also have the right to make a plan with the adoptive family that you choose, prior to giving birth. Your adoption plan can include:
– How often will I see the baby after he/she is born?
– Will the adoptive family send me letters and pictures?
– What contact information will we share with each other?
– Who will be at the hospital with me?
– Who will take the baby home from the hospital?

At the IAC, we believe that you are in charge of your own adoption plan.

We work with many women who have not yet received prenatal care. Our counselors can help you to find free, confidential healthcare in your area.

You are still able to make an adoption plan if you have used drugs or alcohol. Our counselors can help to introduce you to adoptive families that are comfortable with any history of drug or alcohol use. You have the right to make an adoption plan for your baby that you can feel good about.

Of course. Sometimes it can help to talk with others who have made similar decisions, or experienced similar things. Our counselors can help to introduce you to other birthmothers in your area. Please contact us if you are interested in coming to a Birthparent Support Group.