The most important step in creating an adoption plan is knowing you have the power to decide your baby’s future, including who will raise your baby.

When you choose a fully licensed national agency like American Adoptions, you get to hand-pick a loving, financially stable family whose values align with your vision for your child. This peace of mind is priceless.

To get personalized support from an adoption specialist today, you can call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our online contact form.

Can I Choose Who Adopts My Baby?

Yes, you absolutely have the legal and moral right to choose the adoptive family for your baby.

One of the most common misconceptions about adoption is that the birth mother loses all control, which is simply not true when you work with a licensed agency like American Adoptions.

Your agency-assisted adoption journey is centered entirely around your choices.

As a prospective birth mother, you have full support in selecting a family that aligns with your hopes for your child’s future. We present you with detailed family profiles and let you guide the selection process on your own timeline.

By utilizing a national agency, you gain access to hundreds of waiting adoptive families from across the country, giving you the best chance to find that perfect match, whether you are looking for a two-parent family from the suburbs, a single parent in a big city, or anything in between.

How Adoption Agencies Like American Adoptions Support Your Choice

When you work with American Adoptions, you’re partnering with a national agency that has helped thousands of birth mothers find the perfect family for their child.

We don’t choose for you. We support you in making the choice that feels right.

Here’s how we help:

  • Access to hundreds of pre-screened families across the country who are ready to welcome a child into their home
  • Video and written profiles that let you get to know families before you meet them
  • Guidance from your adoption specialist, who will walk you through your options without pressure or judgment
  • Emotional support throughout your pregnancy and beyond

What to Consider When Choosing an Adoptive Family

Choosing a family to adopt your baby is one of the most personal decisions you’ll make. There’s no right or wrong answer. It’s about what matters most to you.

Here are some factors birth mothers often consider:

  • Do they share similar beliefs about parenting, education, or faith?
  • Do you want your child raised in a certain region or close to you?
  • Do you want your child raised in a family that reflects their heritage?
  • How often do you want to stay in touch after placement?

Your adoption specialist will help you identify what’s most important to you so you can find a family that feels right.

How Do I View and Evaluate Adoptive Family Profiles?

Once you start working with American Adoptions, you’ll have access to our family profile database. This is where you can browse profiles of waiting families who are eager to adopt.

Each profile includes:

  • A video introductionwhere the family talks about their lives, values, and why they want to adopt
  • A written biographywith details about their home, hobbies, and family life
  • Photos that give you a glimpse into their daily life
  • A “Dear Birth Mother” letterthat explains why they chose adoption and what they hope for the future

You might know right away when you’ve found the right family, or you might take your time comparing several options. There’s no pressure to decide quickly.

If you’d like help narrowing down your choices, your adoption specialist can recommend families based on your preferences.

Can People from a Different State Adopt My Baby?

Yes — people from a different state can absolutely adopt your baby.

In fact, many birth mothers choose families from other states because it gives them more options and increases the chances of finding the perfect match. American Adoptions works with families across the country, so you’re not limited to adoptive parents in your state.

If you choose a family from another state, the adoption will follow the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC), which ensures everything is handled legally and smoothly.

Here’s how it works:

  • Your adoption specialist will coordinate with both your state and the adoptive family’s state to ensure all legal requirements are met
  • The adoptive parents can travel to your state for the birth and hospital stay, or arrangements can be made based on your preferences
  • Your state’s laws will apply during the hospital stay and consent process
  • Once the adoption is finalized, your child will move to the adoptive family’s state

You’ll also have access to local attorneys in your state who can help you through the legal process. We will connect you with experienced professionals who understand your state’s adoption laws and can answer any questions you have.

Connecting With the Adoptive Family

Once you’ve chosen a family, you’ll have the opportunity to meet them before the birth. This can happen in person, over the phone, or through video chat—whatever feels most comfortable for you.

Choosing Your Level of Contact After Placement

You can also decide how much contact you want with the family after placement. American Adoptions supports open, semi-open, and closed adoptions, so you can choose the level of communication that feels right for you.

Here’s what that can look like:

You’re not locked into one option forever. Your adoption plan can include agreements about future contact, and many birth mothers appreciate having the option to stay connected as their child grows.

Can I Change My Mind About the Family?

Yes — you can change your mind about the family you’ve chosen, up until you sign your consent to the adoption. Before you give your legal consent, you have the right to change your mind about the adoption plan or the family you’ve selected.

Your adoption specialist will support you through any decision you make, and there’s no penalty or judgment if you decide to parent your child instead.

If you’re feeling uncertain about the family you’ve chosen before signing consent, talk to your adoption specialist. They can help you explore other options or address any concerns you have.

What If I Don’t Find the Right Family?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about the families you’ve reviewed, that’s normal. Choosing a family is a big decision, and it’s okay to take your time.

American Adoptions works with families from all over the country, which means there are always new profiles being added. Your adoption specialist will continue working with you until you find the right match, without any pressure to decide before you’re ready.

You might find your match right away, or you might take longer—and that’s okay. Your specialist will check in with you regularly to see how you’re feeling and offer support along the way.

If you’re unsure about what you’re looking for, your specialist can help you think through your priorities and narrow down your options. You can also revisit the family profile database as many times as you need.

Why American Adoptions Is Trusted by Thousands of Birth Mothers

American Adoptions has been supporting birth mothers for decades.

Our staff includes birth mothers, adoptive parents, and adoptees, which means we have firsthand experience and perspective on every part of the adoption journey.

Here’s why birth mothers trust us:

  • Personalized care from your adoption specialist, who will guide you through every step without pressure
  • Access to hundreds of waiting families who have been carefully screened and are ready to adopt
  • Emotional support throughout your pregnancy, including counseling services
  • Flexibility in your adoption plan, including the level of contact you’re comfortable with after placement

We’ve helped thousands of birth mothers create adoption plans that reflect their values and priorities.

You can read their stories and testimonials here.

Your Adoption Plan, Your Way — Let’s Talk

You don’t have to have everything figured out right now. Whether you’re just starting to think about adoption or you’re ready to review family profiles, American Adoptions is here to support you.

Fill out our contact form to speak with an adoption specialist who can answer your questions and help you take the next step. You can also call 1-800-ADOPTION to talk with someone today.