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Pregnant in Ohio? What to Know About Giving a Baby Up for Adoption

An unplanned pregnancy can put you in a bind. You find yourself weighing difficult choices about your baby’s future. It’s only natural for you to feel worry, fear, and confusion. Still, if you’re unexpectedly pregnant in Ohio, one option you and other reluctant mothers can consider is adoption. 

Making an adoption plan requires careful consideration and should not be rushed. Let us walk you through the adoption process and discuss your options, rights, and the support available for birth mothers. 

Understanding Adoption in Ohio

pregnant women counseling

If you’re pregnant and considering adoption, you have a 72-hour wait period after giving birth before you can give your consent. This waiting period allows you to think through your actions and explore the type of adoption that’s best for you and your baby. 

A birth mother chooses to give their baby up for adoption in Ohio for various reasons. It can be about financial challenges, personal circumstances, or simply a mother’s desire for a stable home for their baby. But no matter your situation, you’re not alone in your decision. Adoption agencies can help connect you with vital resources and support.

The Adoption Process in Ohio

Understanding how adoption works can help you feel more in control and prepared. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the Ohio adoption process so you know what to expect:

Step 1: Making an Adoption Plan with the Agency

You’ll work with your chosen agency to decide which adoption type works best for you. This is also a good opportunity to identify and explore support systems and counseling resources.

Step 2: Selecting an Adoptive Family 

You’ll get to know prospective families that align with your values and expectations. Your agency will guide you through the selection process to ensure you’re comfortable with the match.

Step 3: Legal Steps

The legal framework for adoption in Ohio exists to protect everyone involved, especially you and your child. The following process ensures your decision is well-informed, voluntary, and respected. 

pregnant woman talking to an adoption agency
  1. Agency Approvals and Home Studies: Licensed adoption agencies in Ohio complete thorough assessments of hopeful adoptive families. This evaluates their stability, safety, and readiness to parent.
  2. Your Consent and the 72-Hour Wait: You cannot sign legal consent to the adoption until at least 72 hours after your baby is born. This gives you essential time for recovery and reflection before the adoption is finalized in court. 
  3. Court Finalization: After you sign the consent papers and the child is placed with the chosen family, their attorney files adoption paperwork with the court. A judge will later finalize the adoption. 

Step 4: Post-adoption support

You deserve ongoing care as you heal and adjust. If you’re pregnant in Ohio and considering adoption, know that the following birth mother support is available to help you return to living your life after the process is legally completed. 

  • Counseling and Emotional Check-ins: Choosing adoption is never easy. This support will provide a safe space for you to process your feelings and build emotional resilience. 
  • Connection Through Peer Groups: Support groups can connect you with others who know what you’re going through. You can listen, share, and find strength together in a judgment-free setting. 
  • Post-adoption Counseling: Regular, ongoing counseling can help you integrate your adoption experience into your life story. It supports healthy adjustment as you pursue your goals and navigate relationships. 

Support and Resources for Birth Mothers 

Adoption resources and support are available to help you cope emotionally and financially. Reputable adoption agencies in Ohio, such as Open Arms Adoptions, are committed to providing resources that protect your health, rights, and emotional well-being.

doctor checking up the pregnant woman
  • Prenatal Care and Medical Support: You can receive financial assistance with essential medical appointments, vitamins, and hospital planning. 
  • Legal Guidance and Advocacy: An attorney will help you understand your rights as a birth mother. They will educate you on the adoption laws involved and protect your interests throughout the adoption process. 
  • Ongoing Emotional Support: From your first call with your chosen adoption agency through the years ahead, counselors and peer groups are available to provide a listening ear. 

Your Choices Matter

As a core part of birth mother rights in Ohio, you have the power to make decisions about you and your baby’s future. Here are the types of adoption you can choose from:

Closed Adoption: This option keeps your identity confidential, maintaining full privacy with no form of contact between you and the adoptive parents or the child.

Open Adoption: You keep in touch with your child and the adoptive family through regular visits. 

Semi-open Adoption: You can receive indirect updates about your child’s well-being from the adoptive parents through a trusted third party.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

After giving birth, you have a 72-hour waiting period before you can give consent for adoption. If you change your mind during this period, you can inform your adoption agency or attorney. Once you’ve signed legal adoption papers after the waiting period, changing your decision will require a petition to the court.

Look for adoption agencies that are licensed, have positive reviews, and offer comprehensive support. When looking for an agency, ask about their process, support services, and success rates.

You are eligible for financial assistance for pregnant women in Ohio. It covers maternity care and medical expenses, living costs, and other adoption-related costs. 

Yes, many adoption agencies in Ohio offer counseling and therapy before and after adoption. Placing your baby up for adoption is a significant life decision. Counseling support systems can help you process your emotions and adjust to your decision.

It depends on the type of adoption you choose. With pen adoption in Ohio, you can meet the prospective adoptive family before finalization. It often occurs during the home study process or during meetings arranged by your agency.

Take Action and Explore Your Adoption Options 

As a birth mother, you have the autonomy to make choices about yourself and your baby’s future. Remember, if you’re unexpectedly pregnant in Ohio, you can find peace knowing there are people willing to help you.

Adoption requires a thoughtful and planned decision. Learn more about your rights, adoption options, and available support systems with us at Open Arms Adoptions. Talk to us, and we’ll walk with you throughout your adoption journey.

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Open Arms Adoptions is 501(c)3 non-profit agency licensed by the State of Ohio.

Our mission is to provide a loving, stable home to every child in need. We work tirelessly to create an environment that embraces the unique set of circumstances each of our birth parents, prospective adoptive parents and children bring to us. 
Locations
Main Office
11 River St., Ste. B
Kent, OH 44240
Central Ohio Office:*
1733 Lane Ave., #37, Columbus, OH 43221
Delaware Office:*
18 E. William St.
Delaware, OH 43015
*by appointment only. All correspondence should be mailed to the Kent address
© 2026 Open Arms Adoptions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.