A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re pregnant and wondering how adoption works, you may have searched something like:

“How do I put my baby up for adoption?”

It’s a phrase many people use — but let’s be clear:
You’re not “giving up.”
You’re making a plan.
A plan for love. A plan for your baby’s future. A plan that honors your situation and your strength.

Here’s how the process works — one step at a time — and how you’ll be supported at every point along the way.

Step 1: Talk to an Adoption Professional

The first step is to reach out and speak with someone who will listen — without judgment.

At Adoption Network Law Center (ANLC), we’re available 24/7. When you reach out, we’ll:

• Answer any questions you have
  
• Explain your rights and your options
  
• Walk you through the process privately and at your pace
  

You don’t have to decide anything immediately. This first step is simply about understanding your choices.

Step 2: Learn About Open, Semi-Open, and Closed Adoption

You get to decide how involved you want to be — now and in the future.

We’ll explain the difference between:

• Open adoption (you can maintain contact with the family)
  
• Semi-open adoption (you may receive updates through ANLC)
  
• Closed adoption (you choose full privacy)
  

Whatever level of connection you prefer, we’ll help create a plan that fits your needs.

Step 3: Choose the Right Family

You’ll be able to review detailed profiles of families who are:

• Legally ready and home study-approved
  
• Emotionally prepared to follow your adoption plan
  
• Respectful of your values, preferences, and hopes
  

You can choose based on lifestyle, location, religion, race, or anything that matters to you. And if you’d like, you can speak or meet with the family before making a decision.

Step 4: Create Your Personalized Adoption Plan

Once you feel comfortable, you’ll work with an advisor to build a plan that includes:

• Who will be in the delivery room
  
• What kind of communication you want with the adoptive family
  
• Whether you want to see or hold your baby
  
• Your wishes for future contact or updates
  
• What support you may need during and after pregnancy
  

This plan is yours. We’re here to help you build it, but you’re in control.

Step 5: Give Birth and Finalize the Plan

When the time comes to deliver:

• Your hospital plan will be followed closely
  
• You’ll receive full legal support (at no cost to you)
  
• No documents will be signed until after birth — and only when you’re ready
  

In many states, financial assistance is available during pregnancy to help with housing, food, transportation, and more. We’ll explain what’s allowed in your state and help coordinate services.

Step 6: Healing and Support After Placement

Adoption is a loving decision — but it’s still emotional.

After placement, we’re here to:

• Offer grief and healing support
  
• Help facilitate communication with the adoptive family (if you choose)
  
• Connect you to birth mother communities and counseling resources
  
• Respect your space or silence if that’s what you need
  

There’s no “right” way to feel after adoption — only your way.

Key Adoption Agency Considerations

Placing your baby for adoption is never easy. But it can be the beginning of peace, healing, and hope — for you and your child.

At ANLC, we’re here to support your decision with clarity, kindness, and compassion — no matter where you are in the process.