If you're considering adoption in Alaska, you're probably asking yourself: how long after adoption can you change your mind?

Here's the straightforward answer: In Alaska, you have 10 days after signing consent to change your mind about adoption. During those 10 days, you have the legal right to say, "Actually, I want to parent my baby," and no one can stop you.

At American Adoptions, we believe you deserve complete transparency about your rights and what happens at every step. Call us at 1-800-ADOPTION or connect with one of our specialists who will help you understand all your options.

Adoption Consent in Alaska: What Every Birth Parent Needs to Know

Adoption consent is your official agreement to place your child for adoption. In Alaska, you never sign this before your baby is born—always after. This ensures you're making this decision based on reality, not just how you imagined things during pregnancy.

When you sign consent in Alaska, you're confirming you understand adoption is permanent, you're choosing this freely, you've had access to counseling, and you know your rights—including your 10-day revocation period.

At American Adoptions, we make sure you understand what you're signing. Your specialist will answer your questions and give you as much time as you need. Some birth mothers sign within days of delivery. Others need a week or more. There's no timeline you "should" follow—only what feels right for you.

Can You Revoke Consent After Signing?

Yes, but only during those 10 days in Alaska.

This is called the "revocation period," and it exists because the law recognizes how huge this decision is. During these 10 days, if you decide adoption isn't right for you, you can change your mind—no questions asked, no court involved.

What Happens If You Revoke Consent?

You just need to let the adoption agency or attorney know in writing that you've decided to parent your child instead.

If you revoke consent during the 10-day period:

• Your parental rights come right back to you. You're legally your baby's parent again.
• The adoption process stops immediately. The prospective adoptive family can't move forward.
• Your specialist will help coordinate everything. You won't be left figuring things out alone.

If you're feeling unsure and the 10 days haven't passed yet, call our adoption hotline or talk to your specialist. We'd rather help you work through your feelings than have you look back with regret.

Why Hormonal Shifts After Birth May Trigger Second Thoughts

Let's talk about something that doesn't get discussed enough: the way your body can mess with your mind after you give birth.

After delivery, your body floods with hormones—especially oxytocin and prolactin—that supercharge your maternal instincts. You might suddenly feel an overwhelming urge to hold your baby and never let go, intense guilt about placing your baby, or fear that no one else could love your baby the way you do.

These feelings are completely real—but they're also temporary. As your hormone levels level out over the next few weeks, those raw emotions usually settle down. What's left is clarity about what's actually best for your baby's future.

If you felt strongly about adoption during your pregnancy—when you were thinking clearly about your situation—those reasons probably still hold true, even if your hormones are telling you otherwise right now.

Doubt Happens: Remember Why You Chose Adoption

If you're second-guessing everything, think back to why you started considering adoption. What brought you here? Maybe you knew you couldn't give your baby the stable home or resources you wanted them to have. Maybe you felt peace knowing your baby would grow up with opportunities you can't provide right now.

If you felt certain enough to make this plan during your pregnancy, trust that version of yourself. The you who wasn't flooded with postpartum hormones probably saw things clearly.

We've worked with birth mothers who changed their minds at the last minute, only to reach out weeks later in tears because they realized they'd made a mistake. They found themselves back in the same difficult situation—but now without an adoption plan.

We're not saying this to pressure you. If you're truly unsure, take more time. But we want you to make a decision you can live with long-term, not one driven by temporary hormones. Talk to your counselor about what you're feeling.

Hear from Birth Mothers Who Have Been In Your Shoes

Sometimes what helps most is hearing from someone who's been exactly where you are right now.

You can read more stories from birth mothers here or watch videos of women sharing their experiences. You're not the only one feeling this way right now.

After the Revocation Period: What Happens Next in Adoption?

Once the 10-day revocation period passes in Alaska, adoption becomes legally permanent.

Even after the revocation period ends, there's a court process before the adoption is officially "finalized"—that usually happens a few months after placement. But once your 10 days are up, the process is irreversible. The adoptive parents legally become your child's parents with full authority to make all decisions. After finalization, your child's birth certificate gets amended and your parental rights are permanently terminated.

This permanency exists for a reason. It gives your child the stability they need to thrive, lets the adoptive parents fully invest in their family, and gives you closure to move forward knowing your child is exactly where they're meant to be.

If the idea of permanency scares you, talk to one of our counselors before you sign anything.

Why Adoption Decisions Are Supported with Counseling

At American Adoptions, we will never push you to make a decision before you're ready. That's why counseling is built into every step—not as a formality, but as genuine support.

We offer:

• Pre-placement counseling to help you explore your feelings and motivations
• Post-placement counseling to process the grief and emotions that come after placement
• 24/7 access to your adoption specialist who understands what you're going through

Counseling isn't about convincing you to choose adoption. It's about making sure that whatever you decide, you're making an informed choice with full emotional support. At American Adoptions, we've been doing this for decades, and we understand that your emotional well-being matters just as much as the legal process. Learn more about the counseling we provide here.

What If I'm Still Unsure About Adoption?

If you're reading this thinking, "I just don't know if I'm ready," that's completely okay. Being unsure doesn't mean you're making the wrong choice—it means you're taking this seriously.

How American Adoptions Supports Birth Mothers

Here's what makes American Adoptions different: we genuinely care about you as a person, not just as part of an adoption plan. We've been supporting birth mothers for over 30 years, and we've learned that what matters most is making sure you feel heard, respected, and in control every step of the way.

✔ You choose everything. From the adoptive family to the level of openness—it's all up to you.

✔ We provide real counseling and emotional support. Actual, ongoing counseling from professionals who specialize in adoption. Before placement, after placement, and anytime you need it.

✔ We help with pregnancy expenses. As allowed by law, we can help with medical bills, housing, transportation—whatever you need.

✔ We help you find the perfect family. We have an extensive network of loving, pre-screened adoptive families. Browse family profiles here to see the incredible families waiting to welcome a child.

✔ We respect your pace. If you need more time, we'll give you that time. You're never rushed.

✔ We stay connected with you. If you choose open adoption, we help facilitate ongoing communication so you can watch your child grow up and know they're thriving.

American Adoptions isn't just an agency—we're your partner, your advocate, and your support system. Call 1-800-ADOPTION to talk to a specialist who will actually listen.

Final Thoughts: You Deserve Support, Clarity, and Control

Understanding how long after adoption can you change your mind in Alaska—10 days after signing consent—is important for making an informed decision. But what matters even more is that you feel supported, informed, and in control throughout this journey.

At American Adoptions, we believe you deserve transparency about your rights, compassion as you navigate your emotions and real support as you make one of the biggest decisions of your life. We're here to guide you, not pressure you. We're here for you no matter what you ultimately decide.

You deserve to make a decision you can live with—one that honors both your love for your baby and the life you want for them.

Reach out to American Adoptions today. We're here for you, every step of the way.

Learn more about adoption in Alaska here or browse adoptive families who are waiting to meet you

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.