Are you thinking about giving your baby up for adoption in Indiana? You might feel overwhelmed, uncertain or scared.

Maybe this pregnancy wasn't planned. Maybe your circumstances have changed. Or maybe you're asking yourself if you can really give your child the life you want them to have. Whatever your situation, learning more about adoption and pregnancy can help you feel more prepared and empowered to make the best decision for you and your baby.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about putting a newborn up for adoption in Indiana. You’ll learn how the process works, what support is available and how to make the decision that’s right for you. If you’re ready to talk to someone, you can get free information online or call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with one of our adoption specialists.

How to Give a Baby Up for Adoption in Indiana

If you're wondering how to place a baby for adoption, the process may be more straightforward than you think. Here's what you can expect:

Step 1: Contact an Adoption Agency

The first step is reaching out to a trusted, licensed agency like American Adoptions. With over 30 years of experience, American Adoptions has helped thousands of women navigate adoption. You'll get support from trained specialists who understand what you're going through.

However, you will be in charge of your journey. Every decision is yours to make, and your comfort and preferences guide the entire process.

Step 2: Create an Adoption Plan

Your adoption plan is your personalized roadmap. It includes all the important choices you'll make, such as:

• The type of family you want for your baby

• How much contact you want before and after placement

• What you want your hospital experience to be like

Your specialist will work with you to make sure every detail is in place so that your wishes are respected.

Step 3: Choose the Perfect Family for Your Baby

You get to choose the adoptive parents who will love, protect and provide a bright future for your baby.

American Adoptions gives you access to hundreds of pre-screened families. You can watch video profiles and read about each family to find the one that feels right.

Step 4: Get to Know the Adoptive Family

Many women find comfort in getting to know the adoptive family before placement. Today, most adoptions are open, which means you can build a real connection before and after the adoption.

You have a few different ways to connect with the adoptive family:

• Phone or video calls

• Texts, emails or social media

• In-person visits or time together at the hospital

Step 5: Complete the Legal Steps for Adoption

When it's time to give birth, your medical costs will be fully covered. You’ll also have a hospital plan in place that outlines your preferences, including how much time you want with the baby and who holds your baby first.

When you're ready, you can sign the legal adoption paperwork. Your adoption specialist and an attorney will make sure you understand your rights and feel confident in your decision.

What if My Baby Is Already Born?

Giving a baby up for adoption at birth is possible. Whether you're at the hospital, back home or have been parenting for a while, adoption can still be the right choice.

Call 1-800-ADOPTION to get help right away. We can send an adoption specialist to your location or help you create a plan that fits your current situation.

Free Adoption Services You May Not Know About in Indiana

Adoption isn't something you have to figure out alone. We know how hard giving your baby up for adoption is, and you deserve someone who will be there through every step.

When you choose adoption with American Adoptions, you get:

You might be asking, “Does putting your baby up for adoption cost anything?” The answer is no. Adoption is always free for expectant mothers. You shouldn’t have to worry about bills while making this decision. You deserve to focus on your health and the future you’re choosing for yourself and your baby.

Do You Get Paid for Giving Your Baby Up for Adoption in Indiana?

No one can legally pay you for placing a baby for adoption, but you can receive financial support to help with:

• Rent and utilities

• Groceries and transportation

• Maternity clothes

• Medical expenses

• Counseling services

• Lost wages (in some situations)

Indiana law allows for these expenses as long as they are approved by the court. Total living expenses cannot exceed $4,000 and may continue for up to six weeks after the birth. 

Learn more about adoption financial assistance in Indiana.

Is it Wrong to Give My Baby Up for Adoption?

It's normal to have doubts. You might be wondering if it's hard to choose adoption or whether birth mothers regret giving their babies up for adoption. These concerns are real, and they deserve honest answers.

Adoption is not giving up. It's giving your child a future filled with love, stability and opportunity.

Choosing adoption is a selfless and powerful decision that puts your child first.

How to Choose an Adoptive Family in Indiana

With American Adoptions, you can choose from hundreds of fully screened families. Every family is ready for an open adoption, which means you can stay in touch and build a relationship over time.

When you're reviewing family profiles, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• What kind of lifestyle do I want my baby to have?

• Do I want my child to have siblings?

• Should my baby grow up in a two-parent household?

• Are shared values, religion or cultural background important to me?

• What level of education or career background do I hope the parents have?

Take all the time you need to think about what matters most to you. When you're ready, you can start exploring family profiles.

Adoption at the Hospital: How Do You Make a Hospital Plan?

When the time comes, your hospital plan makes sure everything goes the way you want. We work with the hospital staff to support your wishes and provide a smooth experience.

You get to decide:

• Who is in the delivery room

• How much time you spend with your baby

• How involved the adoptive family is

• What happens after delivery

Your adoption specialist will be with you the entire time to support and guide you.

What About the Birth Father?

You might be asking, "Can I give my baby up for adoption without the father's consent?" In Indiana, the answer depends on your specific situation.

• A supportive father can give consent at any time with a notarized form.

• Indiana has a putative father registry. Fathers who register must be notified.

• If the father doesn’t respond or can’t be located, the court can approve the adoption without his consent.

• If you’re married, your husband usually must consent — but the court can override objections in some cases.

The best thing you can do is be honest with your adoption specialist. We can help you understand your rights and connect you with a licensed attorney.

Learn more about birth father rights in Indiana.

More Indiana Adoption Laws You’ll Need to Know About

In Indiana:

• A mother can sign consent forms after the baby is born.

• Consent can be given in front of a judge, notary public or licensed adoption agency.

Your adoption specialist will help you understand every legal step.

Ongoing Support After Giving Baby Up for Adoption

Your journey doesn’t end with placement — and neither does our support. Adoption can bring up complex emotions, and it's important to have someone who understands what you're going through. That’s why American Adoptions offers:

• Post-Placement Counseling: Our adoption specialists will help you cope, process your emotions and begin to move forward at your own pace.

• Open Adoption Support: You can stay connected with your child and their adoptive family. Many women find comfort and reassurance in seeing their child thrive.

• Continued Financial Assistance: Depending on your situation and court approval, support may continue for up to six weeks after birth.

You are never alone. Our support is here whenever you need it.

Is Giving My Baby Up for Adoption in Indiana Right for Me?

Adoption is a deeply personal decision. Only you know what's best for yourself and your baby.

It can be helpful to think through the pros and cons of giving a baby up for adoption. Here's why adoption may be the right choice:

Contact us online or call 1-800-ADOPTION to talk with someone who understands. You deserve support, compassion and the chance to choose a brighter future.

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.