If you are considering placing your child for adoption, you can choose adoption at any point—whether you just found out you're pregnant, you're in the hospital giving birth, or you've already brought your baby home.

This decision is deeply personal and one that only you can make.

Below, we'll walk you through what adoption looks like at each stage, explain South Carolina's laws in plain terms, and show you how American Adoptions supports birth mothers every step of the way—no matter when you're ready.

Get free information about your adoption options today—there's no obligation and no pressure.

When Can I Give my Baby Up for Adoption in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, you can legally place your baby for adoption at any point after birth. You cannot sign final consent paperwork while you're still pregnant, but you can—and many birth mothers do—begin planning for adoption long before delivery.

Here's what that means in practice:

• During pregnancy: You can choose an adoptive family, create your adoption plan, and receive financial support for things like rent, groceries, and medical bills.
• At the hospital: You can make your decision during labor or right after delivery. Hospital staff and your adoption specialist will coordinate to support you.
• After you've brought your baby home: Even if days, weeks, or months have passed, it's not too late. Loving families are waiting, and we'll help you navigate the process from wherever you are.

The timeline that's right for you depends on your circumstances, your emotions, and what feels safe. There's no deadline—just your decision.

Every state has different adoption laws, but South Carolina's laws are designed to protect both birth parents and adoptive families while giving you the time and support you need.

Choosing Adoption While You're Still Pregnant

Most birth mothers who work with American Adoptions begin their adoption journey while they're still pregnant. Starting early gives you time to make thoughtful decisions without the pressure of a ticking clock.

When you choose adoption during pregnancy, you can:

• Browse adoptive family profiles and select the family that feels right for you
• Create a customized adoption plan that reflects your wishes for hospital time and contact after placement
• Receive financial assistance to cover rent, utilities, groceries, maternity clothes, and other pregnancy-related expenses
• Build a relationship with your chosen family before the baby arrives, if that's something you want

One birth mother shared: "The adoptive family that I chose, they were amazing. I don't think I could have done it without them. They were my support system through the whole thing."

Starting the process early doesn't lock you into anything. You retain all decision-making power until you sign consent after birth. Early planning simply gives you more options and more control.

You can browse waiting families right now to get a sense of the loving parents who are hoping to adopt. You can also learn more about adoption planning during pregnancy and how American Adoptions supports birth mothers throughout their journey.

Can I Choose Adoption Right from the Hospital?

Yes. Many women make the decision to place their baby for adoption during labor, immediately after delivery, or in the hours that follow.

If this is your situation, know that you're not alone—and you have support available right away.

Here's how hospital adoption works in South Carolina:

Immediate Support

American Adoptions has specialists available 24/7. When you call, we'll connect you with someone who can meet you at the hospital or coordinate everything by phone. Hospital social workers can also help facilitate the process.

Choosing a Family Quickly

If you haven't selected an adoptive family yet, your specialist will show you profiles of pre-approved families who are ready and waiting. You'll choose the family that feels right to you—no one else makes this decision.

Hospital Time with Your Baby

You decide how much time you want to spend with your baby before placement. Some birth mothers choose to hold, feed, and care for their baby for a day or two. Others prefer the adoptive family to take over care immediately.

There's no wrong choice.

Consent Timing

In South Carolina, you must wait until after your baby is born to sign consent. Your adoption specialist will walk you through the paperwork when you're ready and ensure you understand your rights before signing anything.

What Happens After Consent

Once you sign consent, the adoptive family will typically take the baby home from the hospital. You'll continue to receive counseling support and, depending on your adoption plan, may have ongoing contact through calls, texts, photos, or visits.

Hospital adoption can feel overwhelming, but you won't be navigating it alone. From the moment you reach out, you'll have a team supporting you. You can read more about same-day hospital adoptions and what to expect.

It's Not Too Late: Choosing Adoption After Birth

If you've already brought your baby home—whether it's been days, weeks, or even months—it's not too late to choose adoption. This happens more often than you might think, and there are families ready to welcome your baby with love.

Here's what you need to know:

Why Birth Mothers Choose Adoption After Bringing Baby Home

Life circumstances change. Maybe you thought you could parent but realized you couldn't provide the life you wanted for your child. Maybe your support system fell through. Maybe the reality of parenting was different than you expected.

Whatever your reason, it's valid.

The Process Moves Quickly

When you contact American Adoptions, we'll move as quickly as you need us to. Within days, we can:

• Help you choose an adoptive family
• Arrange for safe temporary care if needed
• Coordinate the legal process
• Provide immediate counseling support

Matching Takes Time—But Not as Much as You'd Think

Adoptive families who work with us have already completed home studies and background checks. Many can accept a placement within 24-48 hours.

Your baby won't be in foster care or "the system"—they'll go directly to their adoptive family.

Your Rights Are Protected

South Carolina law gives you the same rights and protections whether you're placing your baby at the hospital or after bringing them home. Your adoption specialist will make sure you understand the process and your rights before you sign any paperwork.

If you're considering placing after taking home, American Adoptions can walk you through every step with compassion and support.

The South Carolina Adoption Laws Every Birth Parent Should Know

Understanding your legal rights is essential when making an adoption decision. Here are the key laws that protect you in South Carolina:

Consent Timing

According to South Carolina Code Section 63-9-310, you cannot legally sign your consent to adoption until after your baby is born. The law requires that consent be given in writing before a judge or authorized court officer.

Revocation Period

Under South Carolina law, once you sign your consent to adoption before a judge, it becomes final and cannot be revoked except in cases of fraud or duress. This means it's crucial to be certain about your decision before signing any paperwork.

Your adoption specialist will make sure you understand this before you consent.

Who Must Consent

If you're the birth mother, you must give consent for the adoption. According to South Carolina Code Section 63-9-310, if the birth father is known and has established paternity or is listed on the birth certificate, his consent may also be required. If he hasn't been involved or his rights have been terminated, adoption can proceed without his consent.

Counseling and Support

South Carolina law protects your right to counseling throughout the adoption process. American Adoptions provides free counseling to help ensure you understand your rights, the adoption process, and the permanency of your decision.

These laws exist to protect you and ensure your decision is informed and voluntary. American Adoptions works within these legal frameworks to make sure your rights are respected at every step. If you want to understand more about the birth mother process, we're here to answer questions.

Am I Ready? Balancing Your Feelings with Legal Adoption Timelines

The question "When can I give my baby up for adoption?" isn't just about legal timing—it's also about emotional readiness. And those two things don't always line up.

Legally, you can move forward with adoption at almost any time. But emotionally, you might need more time to process your feelings, consider your options, and feel confident in your decision.

That's completely normal.

Here are some questions that can help you think through your readiness:

Do I feel certain about my decision?

It's okay to have doubts or mixed feelings. Adoption is a significant choice. What matters is whether you feel, deep down, that it's the right path for you and your baby.

Have I explored all my options?

Have you considered parenting? Talked to family about support? Looked into financial assistance programs? Thought about what each path would mean for your future?

Making an informed decision means understanding all your choices. South Carolina offers several resources for pregnant women, including Palmetto Health, South Carolina DSS, and SC Birth Outcomes Initiative.

Do I have the support I need?

Adoption is easier when you have people you trust to talk to. Whether that's family, friends, a counselor, or your adoption specialist, having support can make a big difference.

Am I being pressured?

Your decision should be yours alone. If anyone is pressuring you to choose adoption—or pressuring you not to—take a step back and think about what you truly want, separate from others' opinions.

Remember, feeling uncertain doesn't mean you're not ready. It means you're taking this decision seriously, which is exactly what you should be doing.

If you're still working through your feelings, American Adoptions offers free, confidential counseling to help you explore your options without pressure. Reach out for support whenever you're ready.

How American Adoptions Supports You at Every Step

No matter when you choose adoption—during pregnancy, at the hospital, or after bringing your baby home—American Adoptions is here to support you with:

• 24/7 Free Counseling: You'll have access to experienced counselors who understand what you're going through and can help you process your emotions, explore your options, and feel confident in your decisions.
• Adoption Planning: We'll help you create a personalized adoption plan that reflects your wishes for everything from choosing the adoptive family to deciding how much contact you want after placement.
• Help Finding a Family: You'll browse profiles of pre-approved adoptive families and choose the one that feels right. We'll facilitate meetings, phone calls, or video chats so you can get to know them before making your final decision.
• Financial Assistance: Based on South Carolina law, we can help with pregnancy expenses like rent, utilities, groceries, and medical bills. This support is available whether you ultimately choose adoption or decide to parent.
• Post-Adoption Support: Our relationship doesn't end at placement. You'll continue to have access to counseling and support as you navigate life after adoption, including help maintaining contact with your child's adoptive family if you've chosen an open adoption.

When you work with American Adoptions, you're never alone in this journey.

Next Steps: Talking With an Adoption Specialist

If you're considering adoption in South Carolina, the next step is simple: reach out. There's no commitment, no pressure, and no cost.

When you contact American Adoptions, you'll speak with a compassionate adoption specialist who will listen to your situation, answer your questions, and help you understand your options. Whether you're still pregnant, in the hospital, or have already brought your baby home, we're here to help.

You can call us 24/7 at 1-800-ADOPTION, or get free information online to learn more.

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