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I’m Pregnant and Struggling with Addiction: Can I Still Place My Baby for Adoption?

Facing an unplanned pregnancy while battling substance use disorders brings overwhelming emotional and physical challenges. You might worry that it disqualifies you from placing your child for adoption or that stigma and judgment await you.

Adoption is still an option for those who are pregnant and struggling with addiction. Many have created hopeful adoption plans through loving, nonjudgmental support. Read on to learn more about adoption support for pregnant women with addiction. 

Can You Place Your Baby for Adoption If You’re Struggling with Addiction?

Yes, adoption options for addicted mothers exist. Your substance use during pregnancy doesn’t erase your right to make an adoption plan. 

Mother holding the hand of a new born baby

Adoption Is Always an Option

Your substance use won’t prevent you from choosing adoption. 

Adoption professionals work with pregnant clients from all backgrounds, including those who struggle with alcohol or drug use. Your courage in seeking help—for yourself and your unborn child—matters most. 

Choosing the Right Adoptive Family

You have the right to select a family fully prepared for your baby’s needs. Adoptive families are screened to ensure they can provide a loving and stable home, medical support, and unconditional love for babies with prenatal exposure. 

Ethical adoption agencies like Open Arms Adoptions ensure adoptive parents:

  • Have access to quality healthcare for their children.
  • Understand the struggles some moms face with substance use or other challenges.
  • Are as prepared as possible for babies who might need a NICU stay or other medical treatment. 

What Support Is Available for Pregnant Women Struggling with Addiction?

If you’re pregnant and struggling with addiction,  you deserve support and understanding. An ethical adoption agency like Open Arms Adoptions can help you find treatment (if you’re ready) and prenatal care to aid you through both addiction recovery and pregnancy. 

pregnant women counseling

Financial Assistance and Counseling

Ohio’s Adoption Modernization Act recently increased the financial support licensed adoption agencies can provide birth mothers from $3,000 to $6,000. This can cover pregnancy-related expenses like housing, transportation, and groceries.

Adoption agencies also offer professional counseling services and provide you with an attorney to help with the legal process of adoption. 

Creating an Adoption Plan That Fits Your Needs

Your adoption plan should be unique to your situation, even if that includes problems related to addiction. You have the right to create the type of adoption plan that makes you feel most comfortable. Your adoption specialist will work with you to design a plan that honors your wishes while ensuring your baby’s well-being.

Modern adoption offers flexible contact options to match your comfort level.

  • Open Adoptions. A transparent arrangement where you can maintain direct contact with adoptive families, including visits or shared photos.
  • Semi-open Adoptions. A mediated option where you exchange letters/photos through the agency privately, providing reassurance wherever you are in life. 
  • Closed Adoptions. A confidential choice with no contact post-placement.

Legal Protections for Birth Mothers

pregnant woman thinking on how to give her baby for adoption

You’ll have access to independent legal counsel to review documents, and no permanent decisions are made until 72 hours after delivery. Pregnant and parenting women have the right to make their own medical decisions, including the right to prenatal care and substance use treatment. You cannot be pressured into adoption—the choice is always yours.

Adoption professionals may also work with child protective services. They will explain to you how child protective services may be involved and ensure you understand your options before signing any paperwork. If child protective services does become involved with your baby, working with them is a valid option if that’s what you want.

Takeaway

 Substance use or addiction may be part of your story, but it doesn’t have to define this chapter of your life. If you’re pregnant and struggling with addiction, adoption remains a loving option. You’re not alone—many women in your situation have found hope through adoption. 

At Open Arms Adoptions, we offer judgment-free support, addiction resources, and professional guidance. Contact us to explore your options today.

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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
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