Can I Change My Mind about Adoption in Missouri?
Adoption Choices of Missouri knows that the many decisions that are laid at the feet of birth mothers when they choose adoption can be overwhelming. There is so much riding on your decisions and your future plans for you and your baby.
As humans, we change our mind, we go back on past decisions or choose not to move forward with something. It is natural to second guess. For birth mothers, it is no different. You face so many unknowns alongside uncertainties that potentially will just stress you out.
Many of the questions birth mothers may have when first making their adoption plan is, “Can I change my mind about adoption?” We are going to shed some light on that question and provide some answers.
Can I Change My Mind about Adoption?
When considering adoption, it’s important to be mindful of your state’s rules and regulations regarding the relinquishing of your parental rights. You may only have a small window if you are thinking about changing your mind. However, this can greatly vary, depending on where you live. In Missouri, you can change your mind about your decision up until 48 to 72 hours after birth.
That said, it’s important to talk with your adoption agency if you start to have some apprehensions in moving forward with your adoption plan. It is totally natural to feel nervous. If you come to the conclusion that you no longer want to put your baby in the care of an adoptive family before any official documents, agreements, or signatures are exchanged, it is definitely a doable action.
However, from the moment you sign away your parental rights, you cannot change your mind about adoption. The same is true if you sign the relinquishment paperwork when you’re pregnant. Because of this, you should think carefully about what you believe is the best course of action and is within your means of doing.
Why would I Want to Change My Mind about Adoption?
Careful meditation and consideration is important when going back on your decision of adoption. We know all too well the massive range of emotions birth mothers may feel when they are faced with having to place their baby for adoption. It can be hard and emotionally draining. Feelings of regret, immense sadness, maybe even some amount of guilt or shame may be felt.
It’s easier said than done, but combating these emotions from clouding your judgement is imperative to making the right choice for you and your baby. You do not want to make the wrong decision that is based on the series of negative emotions you felt just in that moment.
One of the best ways to cope with this is to change your perspective in the situation if you see it as something that weighs heavy sadness on you. Seeing it as giving your baby a better shot at life, a brighter future, a linking between two families.
After Changing My Mind about Adoption, What Comes Next?
Whether it is during the pregnancy or after your baby is born, it is best to continue updating and coordinating with your adoption agency, even after you have reversed your decision in wanting to put your baby up for adoption. Moving forward, see how your situation has changed and why you chose to change your mind in the first place. What between now and then has caused your circumstances to shift in favor of keeping your baby and not wanting to place them with an adoptive family?
If you believe those changes are long-lasting, positive changes that you can maintain for you and your baby, it is wonderful that you want to be a parent and keep your baby.
For reassurance, even while pregnant or after the baby is born, nothing you can say or do fully commits you to adoption. Everything must be legally processed before any decisions become irrevocable. You are always in control of your own adoption plan, and that is something that cannot be taken away from you. The whole point of this is for you to make the decisions that work best for you and your child. Nothing should stand in the way of that.
The main points are to do extensive research so you and your adoption agency can stay informed with each other, meditate deeply and truthfully on what you want for yourself and your baby, and to be honest about the future you want for them.
For all things adoption, find us here and let’s get started on your adoption plan today.
Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri call or text us at 1-816-527-9800
Meet the Author: My name is Alexander Charles Cooper, I come from a family of four that originates from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I, along with my younger brother Greyson were born in North Carolina, three years after my parents had wed and moved to the state. Alexander shares his birthday with Maya Angelou, which he takes great pride in.
Growing up, Alexander had the privilege of having both parents in his life and a stable upbringing in which he was surrounded by family and friends. He believes that much of his family foundation is built on faith which has given him a discipline and practice that has allowed him to discover and build his spiritual self. He is also interested in politics and worldly news that allows him to excel in American literature, philosophy/ethics, and higher learning.
From that, his passion in writing bloomed and he found his true calling: “I wished to create and write for a living and know it will be what makes me happiest. My only wish is for me to bring about positive change for others both near and far and leave a lasting legacy that contributes to the overall wellbeing and joy of others.”
