For Expectant Mothers
The Adoption Process for Birth Mothers in 5 Steps
The adoption process can feel overwhelming before you understand it. Here's the truth: it's five steps, you stay in charge the entire time, and we walk with you through every one.
Before the First Step
If you're reading this, you might be feeling scared, unsure, or like you have to figure everything out right now. You don't. The first step is just a conversation, no decisions required.
Most women who reach out to us aren't sure yet. Some are just exploring. Some have already made a decision and want to know what comes next. Some are weeks from delivering and some are still in their first trimester. There is no wrong time to call.
Every conversation is free, confidential, and without obligation. Whatever you decide, we walk with you.
The Five Steps in Detail
- 1
Start a Conversation
Call, text, or email any time. Free, confidential, no obligation. Typically same-day response.
Your first call is just a conversation. No paperwork, no commitment. You'll hear from a licensed counselor who has walked this path with hundreds of women. You can ask anything, where you are in your pregnancy, what your situation looks like, what options you're weighing. If you decide adoption isn't right for you, that's okay. We'll still help you find resources where you live.
- 2
Create Your Adoption Plan
Work with a counselor to shape your plan, openness level, family preferences, hospital plan, contact after placement. Typically 1 to 4 weeks.
Your adoption plan is exactly that, yours. You decide the openness level (open, semi-open, or closed), what values matter in an adoptive family, whether you want to meet families before choosing, how you want the hospital experience to feel, and how much contact you'd like after placement. Plans can change as you learn more.
- 3
Choose an Adoptive Family
Browse home-study-approved families. Take your time. Meet one, two, or more families.
Every family in our profile book has completed a state-licensed home study, background checks, and our approval process. You'll see their photos, read their stories, and learn about their values. Most birth mothers meet at least one family before choosing. Some meet several. You decide when you're ready.
- 4
Prepare for Placement
Independent legal counsel at no cost to you. Hospital plan and medical coordination. For out-of-state birth mothers, ICPC coordination as allowed by state law.
Your own attorney explains every document before you sign anything. Your hospital plan is finalized with your medical team. If you're traveling from another state, the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) coordinates with both your state and Utah. Out-of-state birth mothers may travel to Utah as allowed by state law with guaranteed return transportation home in the same mode of travel.
- 5
Post-Placement Support
Counseling, support groups, the openness plan you chose. Placement is a beginning, not an end.
Adoption-competent counseling and mental health support are offered before and after placement, as allowed by state law. We host birth mother support groups and stay in touch as long as you want us to. Whatever openness plan you chose, open, semi-open, or closed, we coordinate it on your behalf, so you can focus on your own healing.
What You Stay in Control Of
At every step, the decision is yours. You decide:
- ●Whether to continue exploring adoption
- ●Which adoptive family, if any, you choose
- ●Your openness level (open, semi-open, or closed) and how much ongoing contact you'd like
- ●Your hospital plan, who is there, who holds the baby first, discharge
- ●Whether to sign consent
Your decision can change up to the moment you sign consent. See the legal page for full detail on your rights.
Support Along the Way
Support for birth parents seeking adoption may be provided as allowed by state law. All services to birth parents seeking adoption are confidential and at no cost. Depending on your actual expenses and the state law that applies, support may include:
- ●Medical support, prenatal care, delivery, and pregnancy-related medical coordination
- ●Housing help during pregnancy and early postpartum
- ●Legal support, independent counsel to represent your interests
- ●Counseling, before, during, and after placement
- ●Travel cost to medical appointments
- ●Adoption-related legal fees as permitted by state law
See the full living expenses guide for what may be available.
Common Questions About the Process
How fast does the process move?+
It moves at your pace. Some women place a baby within weeks of first reaching out; others take months to make their decision. There is no minimum timeline and no pressure to commit at any step.
What if I'm not sure I want to place my baby for adoption?+
That's exactly when most women first call us. The conversation is free, confidential, and without obligation. We help you think through your options, including parenting and connecting with local resources if you decide adoption isn't the right fit.
Can I change my mind?+
Yes, you have at least until the time you sign the voluntary relinquishment. Your attorney walks through every detail.
What happens at the hospital?+
You are in charge at the hospital. With your counselor and medical team, you decide who is present during labor, who holds the baby first, the level of contact with the adoptive family during the stay, and what your discharge plan looks like.
Do I have to live in Utah?+
No. We work with birth mothers in many states. Out-of-state birth mothers may travel to Utah as allowed by state law with guaranteed return transportation home in the same mode of travel, regardless of the adoption outcome. Your counselor walks through what each step looks like for your situation.
What does my counselor do?+
Your counselor is your point person through every step. She helps you build your adoption plan, coordinates with the adoptive family and medical providers, prepares you for the hospital, sits with you for hard conversations, and stays in touch after placement for as long as you want her to.
Ready to Take the First Step?
The first step is just a conversation. No commitment, no pressure, no judgment. We’re here 24/7.