You can choose adoption in Texas whether you just found out you're pregnant, you're in the hospital giving birth or you've already brought your baby home. There's no single "right" moment, and you don't have to rush into any decision.

In this guide, we'll walk through when you can give your baby up for adoption in Texas, what the state’s adoption laws are and how American Adoptions can support you every step of the way. If you're ready to learn more or speak with someone who understands, fill out our form or call 1-800-ADOPTION today.

When Can I Give My Baby Up for Adoption in Texas?

You can choose adoption at any point in your journey. This includes while you’re still pregnant, from the hospital or after bringing your baby home. Let’s look at what each option involves.

Planning Adoption During Your Pregnancy

Starting the adoption process while you're still pregnant offers several benefits. When you connect with American Adoptions during pregnancy, you'll have time to:

• Browse adoptive family profiles and choose the family that feels right for you and your baby.

• Get to know your chosen family over time.

• Create a hospital plan that reflects your wishes.

• Decide on the level of openness you're comfortable with after placement.

• Receive financial assistance with living and medical expenses.

You don't have to decide before delivery if you're not ready. Your feelings may change as your pregnancy progresses, and that's completely understandable.

Making the Decision at the Hospital

You can decide during labor, delivery or shortly after birth that adoption is the right choice. This is sometimes called a same-day adoption, and it happens more often than you might think.

Here’s what happens when you put a baby up for adoption as soon as they’re born:

• An adoption specialist will coordinate directly with hospital staff to support your choice.

• If you want, you can choose your baby’s adoptive family.

• You can sign parental consent for adoption 48 hours after birth.

• An adoption specialist will guide you through the paperwork and connect you with counseling services.

Our professionals are available 24/7 to help you understand your options and begin the process.

Giving Your Baby Up for Adoption After Birth

Maybe you brought your baby home thinking you could make it work. Maybe you spent days or weeks trying to figure things out, and now you're reconsidering. Or perhaps unexpected circumstances have made parenting feel impossible right now.

Whatever your situation, it's not too late. You can still give your baby up for adoption after birth or after bringing your baby home.

Here's what the process looks like:

• An adoption agency will work quickly to understand your situation.

• You can choose from profiles of families ready to welcome a baby immediately.

• The legal steps will move forward as quickly as possible while still ensuring all proper procedures are followed.

Changing your mind doesn't make you a bad parent — it means you’re thinking carefully about what's best for everyone involved.

Understanding Texas Adoption Laws for Birth Parents

Texas has specific laws designed to protect expectant parents.

Consent Requirements

You cannot put a baby up for adoption as soon as they're born. There's a mandatory 48-hour waiting period. Your consent to adoption must be signed after birth to ensure you have time to recover from delivery and consider your decision.

Signing your consent officially ends your parental rights. It must be signed in front of two witnesses and notarized by someone authorized to take oaths (like a notary public). The document will include basic information like your name and address, your baby's information and a statement that you understand what you're agreeing to.

Your Right to an Attorney

In Texas, you have the right to your own lawyer throughout the adoption process. This attorney works for you specifically, not for the adoptive parents. American Adoptions can help connect you with an attorney at no cost to you.

Revocation Rights

Texas law gives you the right to change your mind about adoption. The adoption revocation period in Texas works like this:

• If your consent document doesn't say it's permanent right away, you can change your mind before the 11th day after signing.

• On the 11th day, your decision becomes final and legally binding.

If you sign consent that designates a licensed agency or the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services as your baby's legal guardian, that consent cannot be revoked. This is why it's crucial to be certain before you sign any paperwork.

Balancing Legal Requirements With Your Emotional Readiness     

Texas law sets clear timelines for signing and revoking consent, but your emotional readiness may follow a different timeline. You might feel certain one day and uncertain the next. That's normal and expected.

Here are some tips as you navigate this important decision:

• Give yourself time. Your adoption agency will support you as you work through your feelings.

• Expect mixed emotions. Feeling multiple things at once doesn't mean you're making the wrong choice. It means you're human.

• Talk to someone. An adoption counselor, trusted friend or family member can help you process your emotions.

Supporting You Through Every Part of Your Journey

Regardless of when you choose adoption — before birth, at the hospital or after bringing your baby home — American Adoptions provides comprehensive support tailored to your needs:

Ready to Learn More? Connect With an Adoption Specialist

Now that you understand when you can give your baby up for adoption in Texas, the next step is to reach out. An adoption specialist can answer your specific questions and help you explore whether adoption is the right choice for you and your baby.

You can choose a brighter future. Fill out our form or call 1-800-ADOPTION to get free information. There's no obligation — just honest conversations about your options and the support available to you.

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