You can choose adoption for your baby at any point, whether you just discovered you're pregnant, you're at the hospital during delivery, or you've already brought your baby home. In Pennsylvania, there's no "too early" or "too late" when it comes to making an adoption plan.

What matters most is that you have the support and information you need to make the choice that's right for you and your child.

Fill out our contact form today to get the support you deserve from an adoption specialist.

Choosing Adoption While You're Still Pregnant

Many birth mothers find that beginning their adoption journey during pregnancy gives them the most time to create the exact plan they want.

When you start early, you have the opportunity to carefully review adoptive family profiles, ask questions, and build a relationship with the family you choose, all before your baby arrives.

Starting your adoption plan while you're pregnant means you can:

• Take your time choosing the perfect family for your child from hundreds of waiting families in Pennsylvania and across the country
• Create a detailed birth plan that honors your preferences for delivery and hospital time
• Establish the level of openness you want in your adoption, whether that's ongoing visits, photo updates, or letters
• Receive financial assistance with pregnancy-related expenses like rent, utilities, groceries, and maternity clothes throughout your pregnancy

Your adoption specialist will guide you through every decision, ensuring you never feel rushed or pressured.

You have control over every aspect of the adoption process, and that begins with having time to make thoughtful choices about your child's future.

Can I Choose Adoption Right From the Hospital in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Some women don't make their final decision about adoption until they're at the hospital, and that's completely valid. Pennsylvania hospitals work closely with adoption agencies to ensure you receive the support and care you need during this emotional time.

If you decide during labor or delivery that adoption is the right choice, here's what happens:

Hospital staff will contact American Adoptions, and we'll immediately connect you with an adoption specialist who will come to the hospital to meet with you. We'll explain your options, answer your questions, and help you understand the next steps, all while ensuring you receive compassionate, judgment-free support.

Pennsylvania's 72-Hour Waiting Period

You cannot sign consent to adoption until at least 72 hours after your baby is born.

This waiting period is designed to protect your rights and ensure you have time to hold your baby, think about your decision, and feel certain about your choice.

During those 72 hours and beyond, you maintain control over:

• How much time you spend with your baby
• Whether the adoptive family visits at the hospital
• What happens during your hospital stay
• When you're ready to begin the legal paperwork

Your adoption specialist will coordinate with hospital staff to make sure you feel safe, supported, and empowered throughout your stay. You're never alone in this process.

It's Not Too Late: Choosing Adoption After Birth

Perhaps you brought your baby home, hoping you could parent, but now realize adoption might be the better path forward. You're not alone, and it's absolutely not too late.

Women choose adoption weeks or even months after birth for many reasons. Maybe the reality of parenting feels overwhelming. Maybe your circumstances have changed. Maybe you want your child to have opportunities you can't provide right now.

Whatever your reason, American Adoptions can help you create an adoption plan that works for your situation.

Here's what the process looks like when you choose adoption after bringing your baby home:

1. Immediate support: When you contact us, an adoption specialist will talk with you about your situation, answer your questions, and explain how the process works at this stage.
2. Family matching: We'll help you find an adoptive family as quickly as possible. Many families are ready and waiting to welcome a baby, and we work to expedite the matching process.
3. Safe placement: We coordinate a safe, supportive transition plan. This might include meeting the adoptive family, having time to say goodbye, and ensuring your baby moves directly into loving, prepared arms.

Your adoption specialist understands the complex emotions you're experiencing and will walk beside you with compassion, not judgment.

The Pennsylvania Adoption Laws Every Birth Parent Should Know

Understanding Pennsylvania's adoption laws helps you feel more confident and in control during your adoption journey.

Here are the most important legal timelines and requirements:

Am I Ready? Balancing Your Feelings with Legal Adoption Timelines

One of the hardest parts of choosing adoption is the emotional side. You might feel certain one moment and uncertain the next.

You might feel relief, grief, love, and doubt all at the same time. These feelings are completely normal.

Here's what you should know about emotional readiness:

• It's okay to take your time: Even within the legal timelines, you're allowed to move at your own pace emotionally. Your adoption specialist will never rush you.
• Grief and certainty can coexist: Feeling sad about your decision doesn't mean it's the wrong decision. Many birth mothers describe feeling grief alongside deep peace about choosing adoption.
• Support matters: Having someone who understands, like an adoption specialist or counselor, makes a significant difference in how you process your emotions.
• Questions are normal: If you're asking yourself "Am I ready?" that's a sign you're thinking carefully about this decision. That's healthy.

American Adoptions provides free counseling services before, during, and after placement.

These services help you work through your emotions, explore your feelings, and make the decision that truly feels right for you and your baby.

How American Adoptions Supports You at Every Step

Choosing adoption is one of the most loving, courageous decisions you can make, and you don't have to make it alone.

American Adoptions provides comprehensive, compassionate support from the moment you reach out through your pregnancy, placement, and beyond.

Here's how we walk with you:

Next Steps: Talking With an Adoption Specialist

If you're wondering when you can give your baby up for adoption in Pennsylvania, the answer is simple: whenever you're ready.

Whether that's now, during pregnancy, at the hospital, or after bringing your baby home, American Adoptions is here to support you.

Call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with an adoption specialist about your circumstances, or fill out our free online contact form.

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.