If you're considering adoption in Washington D.C., you're probably wondering about your rights and what happens if you change your mind. This is one of the most important questions any prospective birth mother can ask, and you deserve a clear, honest answer.

In Washington D.C., you have 14 days after signing adoption consent to change your mind if you're working with a licensed adoption agency. But there's more to it than just knowing the timeline.

Understanding when consent is signed, what the revocation process actually looks like, and what happens after that window closes can help you feel more confident about your decision. If you're feeling uncertain right now, that's completely normal. Adoption is one of the most difficult decisions anyone can make.

Fill out our contact form today to speak with an adoption specialist who can walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you feel confident, whatever you decide.

Adoption Consent in Washington D.C.: What Every Birth Parent Needs to Know

Consent to adoption is your legal agreement that you're choosing to place your baby for adoption and that you understand the rights you're giving up. In D.C., this consent must be given in writing and witnessed by specific parties, depending on whether you're working with an agency or pursuing an independent adoption.

In Washington D.C., you cannot sign consent until at least after you give birth. This waiting period is built into the law to give you time to recover physically and emotionally before making such a significant decision.

During those first days after birth, your body is flooded with hormones, you're likely exhausted from labor, and you're still processing the reality of becoming a mother. The law recognizes that this isn't the time to sign legal documents that will permanently affect your life and your child's future.

Once you give birth, you can sign consent to adoption. From that moment, a 14-day revocation period begins, which is your window to change your mind.

Can You Revoke Consent After Signing?

Yes. Under D.C. Code § 4-1406, if you're working with a licensed adoption agency, you can revoke your consent within 14 days of signing it.

This means you don't need to prove anything or petition a court. You simply notify the agency in writing that you've changed your mind, and your consent is revoked. At that point, the adoption process stops, and you retain your parental rights.

It's important to understand that this isn't about anyone judging your decision. If you feel in your heart that adoption isn't right, the law protects your ability to change your mind during this time.

Why Hormonal Shifts After Birth May Trigger Second Thoughts

After you give birth, your body goes through a massive hormonal shift. Oxytocin (the "bonding hormone") spikes, prolactin floods your system, and progesterone and estrogen levels drop dramatically. These aren't just chemical changes; they create real emotional effects that can make you feel an overwhelming urge to protect your baby.

These intense feelings often settle within a few days or weeks as your hormones stabilize. Many birth mothers describe feeling a wave of doubt immediately after birth, only to realize later that their original decision was the right one once the hormonal fog lifted.

Your feelings are absolutely real, but what you're experiencing right now might not reflect how you'll feel in a week or two. That's exactly why D.C. law gives you time before signing consent and 14 days to reconsider afterward. If you're experiencing these feelings, reach out to your adoption specialist or talk to a counselor.

Doubt Happens—Remember Why You Chose Adoption

If you're second-guessing your adoption plan right now, you're not alone. Almost every birth mother experiences moments of doubt, especially in those first days after giving birth.

But here's something to consider: You chose adoption for a reason. Maybe you wanted your child to grow up in a two-parent home, or you weren't in a position to provide the stability you knew your baby deserved, or you had dreams for your own future. Whatever your reasons, they were real and valid.

Adoption specialists have worked with birth mothers who changed their minds at the last minute, only to reach out weeks or months later because they realized they'd made the wrong choice. By that point, the adoptive family had moved on, and the birth mother was left feeling regret and confusion.

If you're feeling uncertain, that's okay. Talk to someone. Don't rush. But also remember the clarity you had when you first made this plan.

Hear from Birth Mothers Who Have Been in Your Shoes

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You can read more stories from birth mothers, and if you'd like to speak with someone who's been through this, your adoption specialist can connect you with a mentor.

After the Revocation Period: What Happens Next in Adoption?

Once the 14-day revocation period ends, your consent becomes irrevocable. At that point, you can no longer legally change your mind. The adoption moves forward, and the adoptive parents can begin the finalization process.

What does finalization mean?

Finalization is the court hearing where a judge legally declares the adoptive parents as the child's legal parents. This usually happens several months after placement, once all legal requirements have been met. After finalization, the adoptive parents receive a new birth certificate for the child with their names listed as the parents.

From that point forward, the adoption is permanent. The child is legally part of the adoptive family, with all the rights and protections that come with that status.

This permanency is what makes adoption such a powerful choice. It gives your child the stability of knowing they'll grow up in a family that chose them, fought for them, and will always be there for them. It gives the adoptive parents the legal security to invest fully in raising this child without fear that things could change.

And it gives you the peace of knowing that your child's future is secure.

Why Adoption Decisions Are Supported with Counseling

One of the most important safeguards in the adoption process is counseling. At American Adoptions, every prospective birth mother has access to free, confidential counseling throughout the adoption process and even afterward.

Adoption is not just about making a decision; it's about processing grief, managing expectations, navigating relationships with the adoptive family, and preparing for life after placement. Counseling gives you a safe space to work through all of these emotions with someone who understands what you're going through.

Your counselor won't tell you what to do. They won't pressure you one way or the other. Their job is to listen, support you, and help you find clarity in the midst of uncertainty.

If you're feeling unsure about adoption right now, talking to a counselor might be exactly what you need. Reach out to American Adoptions at 1-800-ADOPTION to get connected with a licensed counselor who can support you.

What If I'm Still Unsure About Adoption?

If you're reading this and thinking, I don't know if I can go through with this, that's okay. You don't have to have all the answers right now.

Here's what you can do:

1. Wait to sign consent. You don't have to sign anything until you're ready. Even if the adoptive parents are eager to move forward, even if people around you are pressuring you to make a decision, you have the right to take your time.

2. Talk to someone who understands. Whether it's a counselor, an adoption specialist, or another birth mother, talking to someone who's been through this can help you process what you're feeling. You can call American Adoptions at 1-800-ADOPTION anytime (day or night) to speak with someone who can support you.

3. Consider your options. Adoption isn't your only choice. If you're feeling uncertain, it's worth exploring what parenting would look like for you. What support do you have? What resources are available? What would it take to make parenting work?

4. Don't let fear make the decision for you. Whether it's fear of judgment, fear of regretting adoption, or fear of struggling as a single parent, don't let fear be the thing that decides for you. Take the time to get clear on what you truly want, not just what feels safest in the moment.

How American Adoptions Supports Birth Mothers

At American Adoptions, we've worked with thousands of birth mothers across the country, including right here in Washington D.C. We know how hard this is. We know how confusing it can feel. And we know how important it is that you feel supported every step of the way.

Here's how we help:

• You have control over every aspect of the adoption process. From choosing the perfect family for your child to deciding how much contact you want after placement, you're in the driver's seat.
• You'll get personal care from your adoption specialist. You won't be passed around from person to person. You'll have one dedicated specialist who will be there for you from your first phone call through placement and beyond.
• You can get financial assistance. Birth mothers working with American Adoptions are eligible for help with living expenses, medical costs, and more.
• You can focus on your goals and dreams. Choosing adoption doesn't mean giving up on your future—it means making space for it. Whether you want to finish school, build a career, or simply create a more stable foundation before parenting, adoption can give you the opportunity to do that while knowing your child is thriving with a wonderful family.

Fill out our contact form today to speak with an adoption specialist who can answer your questions, walk you through the process, and help you feel confident in whatever decision you make.

You Don't Have to Decide Today

If there's one thing we want you to take away from this, it's this: You don't have to rush. The 14-day revocation period exists because the law recognizes that adoption is a permanent, life-changing decision.

You deserve time to be sure. If you're feeling uncertain, take that time. Talk to your adoption specialist. Reach out to a counselor. Connect with other birth mothers who have been where you are.

Fill out our free contact form or call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with an adoption specialist who can help you navigate this journey with compassion and care. We’re here for you.

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