Giving your baby up for adoption in Virginia is a brave, loving decision — one that comes with a lot of questions, and just as much opportunity for hope.

When you work with a licensed, experienced agency like American Adoptions, you’re not alone. We’ll guide you through every step, connect you with waiting families, help you navigate assistance for adoption-related expenses, and be your advocate in the moments that matter most.

Get Free Adoption Information

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from how the process works in Virginia to what your rights are and how to get started today.

How to Give a Baby Up for Adoption in Virginia: Step-by-Step

Wondering what to expect? Here’s how adoption works through our agency:

Step 1: Reach Out

Fill out our online form or call us to speak with a licensed specialist. This is 100% free and confidential.

Step 2: Create Your Adoption Plan

You’ll decide everything: who adopts your baby, how much contact you want, and how the hospital experience should go.

Step 3: Choose the Perfect Adoptive Family

View family profiles here. You’ll pick the parents who feel right to you — and we’ll handle the rest.

Step 4: Get Support and Financial Assistance

We’ll cover your approved living and medical expenses and provide 24/7 emotional support.

Step 5: Give Birth and Complete Placement

You’ll finalize your hospital plan and choose how things go during delivery.

Step 6: Stay Connected (If You Want)

Many Virginia birth moms choose open adoption. You can continue to receive updates, pictures, and even visits.

What if My Baby is Already Born?

If your baby is already here — even if you're still at the hospital — it’s not too late.

Giving a baby up for adoption at birth in Virginia is more common than you may think. Here’s what to do:

• Call us 24/7 — we can help you right away.
• You’ll still get to choose the family and make a plan that reflects your wishes.
• Our Virginia-based adoption professionals can come to you — even in the hospital.

You’re not out of options. You still deserve support.

Free Adoption Services You May Not Know About in Virginia

When you work with American Adoptions, you don’t pay anything. In fact, you get free services and in many cases financial support, including:

• Living expenses (like rent, groceries, and utilities)
• Medical costs
• Legal representation
• Counseling before and after placement
• A dedicated adoption specialist who advocates for your needs

Things to Know About Adoption in Virginia:

• You can choose your baby’s family.
• Adoption can be open or semi-open.
• You are in control of your hospital and post-placement plan.

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

You can’t legally “sell” a baby, but you can receive financial assistance to help cover costs during your pregnancy and recovery.

In Virginia, depending on your situation this may include:

• Housing
• Transportation
• Utilities
• Maternity clothes
• Groceries
• And more

You deserve to feel safe and secure — we’re here to help make that happen.

Learn more about getting financial help for adoption

Is it Wrong to Give My Baby Up for Adoption?

Absolutely not.

Many women have felt scared, unsure, or even ashamed at first — but choosing adoption is a decision made from love and courage. You're not “giving up.” You’re giving more: a life, a future, and a loving family.

How to Choose an Adoptive Family in Virginia

You get to pick the adoptive parents who raise your baby — and we’ll give you plenty of options.

At American Adoptions, we work with hundreds of screened families across the country, including right here in Virginia. All families are:

• Home-study approved
• Excited to connect with you
• Open to ongoing contact (if you want it)

Browse waiting family profiles

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

Making a hospital plan puts you in control. With your adoption specialist, you’ll decide:

• Who’s in the room with you
• Whether you hold or feed your baby
• When and how placement happens
• How you want to say goodbye

The adoptive family and hospital staff will honor your choices. Your specialist will be with you every step of the way.

What About the Birth Father?

Can you give a baby up for adoption without the father’s consent in Virginia?

It depends. Virginia law considers factors like:

• Whether the father is known and involved
• Whether paternity has been legally established

Your adoption professional and legal team will help you navigate these details honestly and safely.

Learn more about birth father rights in adoption

More Virginia Adoption Laws You’ll Need to Know About

Understanding the legal process is important — but we’ll handle the hard parts for you. Here are a few basics:

• Consent laws: You can’t sign adoption paperwork until after birth.
• Revocation period: Once you sign, the decision is legally binding.
• Legal help: You’ll have your own attorney, free of charge.

Ongoing Support After Giving Baby Up for Adoption

We’ll continue supporting you after placement with:

• Free counseling: Licensed therapists who understand what you’re going through
• Financial help: Available for weeks after birth in some cases
• Post-placement contact: You can stay in touch with your child and the adoptive family through open or semi-open adoption
• Continued connection: Your adoption specialist is just a phone call away

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

Only you can answer that. But we’re here to help you explore the pros and cons of giving a baby up for adoption with honesty and support.

Here are a few reasons women choose adoption:

• They want to give their baby a stable, loving home.
• They aren’t ready to be a parent.
• They want their child to have more opportunities.

If you’re asking yourself:

• “Will I regret giving my baby up for adoption?”
• “Can I still see my baby?”
• “What will people think?”

You should know that many women have  found peace and and a brighter future for their child through adoption. Let us help you find peace, not pressure.

Take the First Step Toward a Better Future

Every day, women like you make this decision — and find strength, peace, and love on the other side.

Talk to a Virginia adoption specialist now
Or call us at 1-800-ADOPTION for 24/7 for confidential support.

Your choice today can change two lives forever — yours and your baby’s.

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.