How to Give a Baby Up for Adoption in Alabama
Whether you're still pregnant or already parenting in Alabama, adoption can be a way to give your baby a beautiful future.
If you’re thinking about giving your baby up for adoption in Alabama, it means you care deeply about your baby’s future. You want to make the best possible choice — even if it’s one of the hardest you’ll ever face.
The good news is that you’re not alone, and there’s a path forward filled with support, clarity and hope.
“There is no reason to be ashamed of my decision, even though not everyone was going to agree with my choice,” said Sara, a birth mother. “I knew I had done what was best for Theodore. I gave him the best possible future, filled with unconditional love, financial stability, education and so much more!”
In this guide, you’ll learn how to place a baby for adoption, what adoption agencies offer and how you can stay connected with your child after placement. When you’re ready, you can contact us for more information.
Adoption Agencies in Alabama: Why Work With One?
Licensed adoption agencies play an essential role in protecting your rights and ensuring you get the support you deserve during adoption and pregnancy.
These agencies provide:
When you work with the right agency, you’ll never feel pressured. They will make sure you’re in control every step of the way.
Private Adoption Agencies Near Me in Alabama
Choosing a private adoption agency means having a team by your side that puts your needs first. They’ll walk you through every decision and make sure you understand your options.
Here are some agency options in Alabama:
- American Adoptions
- A Angel Adoptions (Helena)
- Adoption Rocks (Mobile)
- Agape (Montgomery, Madison, Birmingham, Troy, Tuscaloosa)
- Alabama Family Adoption Services (Birmingham)
- Children of the World (Fairhope)
- Gulf Coast Adoptions (Mobile)
- Lifeline Children’s Services (Birmingham)
Free Adoption Services for Pregnant Women in Alabama: How Agencies Can Help
Does putting your baby up for adoption cost anything? No, choosing adoption won’t cost you. In fact, licensed agencies offer free services so that finances never get in the way of creating the best future for your baby.
Adoption professionals are there for you — not just during the process, but long after placement, too. Whether you’re in the early stages of adoption and pregnancy or already considering adoption for your baby, these services ensure you feel supported every step of the way.
How to Give a Baby Up for Adoption in Alabama [5 Steps]
Every adoption story is unique, but most follow five general steps. Here’s what your journey might look like:
Step 1: Find a Licensed Adoption Agency
Your first step is choosing a licensed professional.
Licensed agencies are regulated by the state, ensuring they meet strict legal and ethical standards. This regulation gives you peace of mind knowing that you’re working with professionals who are trained and committed to your well-being.
To connect with a specialist, fill out our form today.
Step 2: Create Your Personalized Adoption Plan
Your adoption plan is a step-by-step guide that reflects your wishes. You’ll decide:
- What kind of family you want for your baby
- What support you need
- How much contact you want before and after placement
- Your hospital and delivery preferences
Your adoption professional will follow this plan closely and help you adjust it if needed.
Step 3: Choose an Adoptive Family
You get to choose the adoptive family. That means your baby will grow up in the kind of home you imagine — one filled with love, opportunity and stability.
You can browse through family profiles and take your time choosing the right one. There’s no rush.
Step 4: Prepare for Delivery
Your hospital plan will outline how the delivery day goes. You’ll decide:
- Where you give birth
- Who is with you
- How much time you spend with your baby
- When the adoptive parents are involved
Your agency will help communicate this plan to the hospital staff. After the birth, you can decide if and when to sign the adoption paperwork.
Step 5: Receive Post-Placement Support
The adoption process doesn’t end at placement. You can continue receiving counseling and support. If you choose open adoption, you can also keep in touch with your child and their family.
Can I Give My Baby Up for Adoption After Birth in Alabama?
Yes. You can choose adoption at any time — whether you’re in the hospital, at home or even after parenting for a few weeks or months.
Adoption professionals can help with last-minute decisions and get you the support you need if you’re considering giving your baby up for adoption at birth.
If you need immediate help, fill out our online form.
Are There Adoption Agencies That Pay Birth Mothers in Alabama?
No. You cannot get paid for giving a baby up for adoption. It’s illegal to accept money or anything of value in exchange for choosing adoption.
However, you can receive financial assistance. In Alabama, the adoptive family may be able to help cover:
- Rent
- Utilities
- Groceries
- Pregnancy-related medical care
- Transportation
- Maternity clothes
- Legal support
- And more
Typically, these expenses must be approved by a court and considered reasonable. Your agency will help make sure you receive the support you’re eligible for.
How Adoption Opens the Door to the Best Life for Your Baby
Are you wondering, “Is giving my baby up for adoption right for me?”
Adoption is a powerful choice. It means putting your child first and giving them the best chance at life. You’re choosing love, stability, opportunity and a bright future that you helped create.
If you feel sad, frustrated or unsure, that’s okay. It’s natural to feel conflicted over hard decisions. Just know that you’re not giving up. Choosing adoption is a selfless, loving decision. Take time to explore your options, ask questions and talk to a professional who can help.
Finding the Right Adoptive Family in Alabama
You’re in control of deciding who will raise your child. Your agency will help you find families based on what matters most to you.
For instance, you could narrow down potential adoptive families by:
- Religion
- Race or ethnicity
- Location
- Hobbies and values
- Family size
- Parenting style
- Openness to contact
- And more
You can review online profiles to get a better sense of the family’s personality, lifestyle and values. Once you find the right family, you can get to know them through a phone call or even meet them in person, if you’d like.
National adoption agencies work with hundreds of families across the U.S., giving you a wider selection to choose from. This increases your chances of finding a family that truly reflects your values and hopes for your baby’s future. With more options, you can feel confident knowing you’re choosing the perfect family for your child.
Do I Have to Work With the Baby’s Father?
In Alabama, the baby’s father may need to give consent for the adoption unless certain legal exceptions apply.
The law requires consent from a putative father if he is known and responds to legal notice within 30 days. However, if he fails to support the pregnancy, cannot be located or does not respond to the adoption petition within the timeframe, his consent may not be required.
A supportive father can provide written consent before or after the baby is born.
Adoption Hospital Plans: What to Expect During Delivery
Your hospital plan outlines what you want your delivery experience to look like. It includes where you’ll deliver, who will be there, when the adoptive family will arrive, how much time you want with your baby and more. Your adoption professional will help communicate your wishes to the hospital staff and the adoptive family.
It’s important to note that you should never be rushed or pressured. You get to decide if and when you sign the adoption paperwork. Your comfort, safety, and peace of mind should be the top priority throughout your hospital stay.
What Happens After Adoption?
After placement, life may feel different — but you don’t have to go through it alone. In an open adoption, you can continue your relationship with your baby and their family through photos, letters, phone calls, visits, etc. You can remain an important part of your child’s life and watch them grow up in a safe, loving environment.
Reputable adoption agencies also provide post-placement counseling and support. Whether you need help processing your emotions, navigating your relationship with the adoptive family or simply want someone to talk to, help is available. Some agencies also offer support groups and other resources to help you move forward after putting a newborn up for adoption.
You Aren’t Giving Up — You Are Choosing Love
Adoption isn’t giving up — it’s giving more. More opportunity. More love. More of the life you dream of for your baby.
When you choose adoption, you’re choosing a brighter future for your child, yourself and the family you help create.