23 Jun Birthmothers’ Bill of Rights

As a potential birthmother working with Cradle of Hope, you have the following rights:

• You have the right to make an informed decision, free from influence, pressure, or judgment, about whether adoption is the right course of action for you. We will provide you with helpful information so you can make an educated decision about what’s best for your future and the future of your child.
• You have the right to choose an adoptive family. Our goal is to help you find a wonderful family that is the perfect fit for your baby. You get to choose the family, ask them any questions you may have, and even meet them in person if you like. If you don’t want to select a family, we can help.
• You have the right to choose what type of adoption plan you want. You can decide what type of adoption plan will best suit your wants and needs: open, semi-open, or closed.
• You have the right to receive financial assistance. Financial support is available to you during your pregnancy and also after you place to help you get back on your feet again, so long as you meet your state’s requirements.
• You have the right to counseling. You can receive counseling during your pregnancy and also after your baby is placed. We want you to get the help and support you may need.
• You have the right to review any and all legal documents associated with the adoption and to consult with an attorney free of charge. You have the right to review and keep copies of any documents prepared during your adoption process, and to have the paperwork explained to you by an attorney.
• You have the right to medical care of your choosing. Your medical decisions are made between you and your doctor and will be based on what is best for your body and your pregnancy.
• You have the right to a birth plan of your choosing. You have the right to decide if the baby stays with you in the hospital, who feeds and changes the baby, when the baby is discharged, and who makes medical decisions for the baby in the hospital.
• You have the right to change your mind before adoption documents are signed and during your state’s revocation period. It is always your decision whether you want to choose adoption and which adoption agency you work with to do so. In VA, you have a 10 day revocation period, in DC you have 15 days and in MD, you have 30 days within which you can change your mind.