If you live in Georgia and find yourself thinking, “I want to give my baby up for adoption,” then know that it is an option for you. Facing an unexpected pregnancy can be incredibly scary, especially when you feel as if you have no options. However, giving a baby up for adoption in Georgia is in an option for you just as it is in any other state.

Giving baby up for adoption is a process that requires an understanding of state laws. Since every state governs putting a newborn up for adoption differently, it is important to understand your rights in your state. Georgia has requirements specific to its own state laws regarding how to place a baby for adoption.

“Giving Up” a Baby for Adoption in Georgia

Today, most members of the adoption triad are not a fan of the phrase “giving up a baby for adoption” because it implies one has given up. The truth is, voluntarily surrendering a baby for adoption, or placing a baby for adoption in Georgia, is a brave and selfless act. Voluntarily choosing adoption means anything but giving up. The choice for adoption, when it is the right decision, is giving baby a whole new chance at life. Your circumstances may look bleak, but your baby has a shot at life you may have never been able to give him or her.

Step 1: Make Sure You’re Sure

“How do I put my unborn baby up for adoption in Georgia?” The first step in choosing adoption is to ensure that you are positive it is the choice that you want to make. There is a period in which you can change your mind; however, it is only 10 days after the act of surrender, which is when you legally transfer parental rights to the adoptive parents. If you are still determining whether adoption is right for you and your baby, consider discussing your options with a pregnancy counselor or trusted friend or family member. Write out a list of pros and cons regarding giving your baby up for adoption in Georgia as well so that you can weigh out your decision.

American Adoptions offers free, 24/7 counseling for prospective birth mothers and women facing an unplanned pregnancy. If you need help exploring your unplanned pregnancy options, you can speak with an adoption specialist any time at 1-800-ADOPTION. Your information will always be kept confidential, and your call in no way obligates you to choose adoption.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Adoption Agency

Choosing an adoption agency that fits for you and your baby is important. You may select an adoption attorney if you have already chosen an adoptive family. You may go with a private agency that shares similar religious beliefs and values. Or you may consider using American Adoptions.

With American Adoptions, you are in charge of every step of your adoption process. Your adoption specialist will be there to provide the support and services you need every step of the way, helping you decide what’s best in your circumstances, offering emotional and financial support throughout the adoption process, introducing you to potential adoptive families and more. American Adoptions can help you complete the adoption process from start to finish, and all of our services are always 100 percent free to you.

Every adoption professional offers different services. If you are considering professionals other than American Adoptions, make sure you ask if they offer adoption attorneys and support resources for you and your baby. American Adoptions can assist with the entirety of the process of adoption.

Step 3: Choose an Adoptive Family

Once birth parents have decided on adoption, it is time to find the adoptive family if you haven’t already. Perhaps you already know who the adoptive parents will be. If that is the case, make sure to let your adoption professional know that you already have a family for your baby. You can also find a family through American Adoptions or other adoption professionals. Utilizing an adoption agency will not only mean help with finding a family, but they will also walk you through the full extent of the adoption process.

Step 4: Georgia Requires Birth Parents’ Consent

“How do I give my newborn baby up for adoption in Georgia?” Once you have decided that giving baby up for adoption is the best decision for you and your child, you are ready to begin the adoption process. In Georgia, it is required that both birth parents consent to the adoption any time after the birth of the child. (While you can start the adoption process at any point in your pregnancy or even after your baby is born, you cannot legally place an unborn child up for adoption. That means that your adoption decision does not become final until you legally consent after your baby’s birth.)

If you find yourself in a situation in which the birth father is not interested in consenting, be sure to speak with an adoption attorney about your specific situation to determine what options you may or may not have moving forward.

What if the Birth Father Does NOT Consent to Adoption

If the birth father does not consent to placing a baby for adoption in Georgia, there are state laws that stipulate the circumstances in which a birth father’s rights will be terminated so that the adoption can proceed. The following are some of those Georgia laws that state an adoption may proceed if the birth father:

• Has abandoned the child

• Cannot be found after a diligent search has been made

• Is insane or otherwise incapacitated from surrendering such rights

• Has failed to exercise proper parental care or control due to misconduct or inability

Also, consent of a parent may not be required if, for one year or longer, one of the parents has failed to:

• To communicate or to make a bona fide attempt to communicate with that child in a meaningful, supportive, parental manner

• To provide for the care and support of that child as required by law or judicial decree, and the court is of the opinion that the adoption is for the best interests of that child

Remember that birth father rights in Georgia adoptions can be complex, and this information does not constitute legal advice. The birth father’s rights and role in your adoption process can vary on a case-by-case basis. American Adoptions can provide you with an adoption attorney to help you understand how your baby’s birth father may impact your adoption in your circumstances.

Step 5: Place Baby with Adoptive Family

Once you surrender the baby to the adoptive family, you have four days to change your mind. After that, the adoption is finalized and you are officially a birth mother! Putting your baby up for adoption in Georgia is a miraculous feat of strength, bravery, and selflessness. Putting a newborn up for adoption means giving that child a new lease on life, and perhaps opportunities that a birth family just wouldn’t have been able to provide.

Note: Once a child turns 14, he or she has the right to consent to a voluntary adoption. Before the child turns 14, however, the birth parents are the ones from whom consent is required from.

Make sure that when you choose to give baby up for adoption in GA, you use a trusted adoption professional like American Adoptions. Do your research on that professional, whether it’s an individual or an agency, and make sure that they are above board and what you are looking for. Do not be hesitant to ask any questions you have about how to place a baby for adoption and how the process works.

You can learn more about placing a baby for adoption in Georgia and start making your adoption plan now by calling 1-800-ADOPTION, or request free information online with no obligation.

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