Understanding How to Place Your Baby for Adoption as an Incarcerated Pregnant Woman in New York

Across the nation there are many women who will face an unexpected pregnancy while incarcerated. The prison system in our country has many flaws, one of them being a lack of resources for pregnant women before and after their birth. If you are facing an unexpected pregnancy while in prison, it can be overwhelming, and you might feel unsure about your options. However, the most important thing to remember is that all pregnant women have certain adoption rights. You are no exception.

Adoption is always an option. Your adoption journey may be a bit different because of your circumstances, but you have resources available to you. Adoption Choices of New York is a nonprofit adoption agency that can assist you throughout your adoption journey. We have resources and counseling available that can help you understand how to place your baby for adoption as an incarcerated pregnant woman in New York.

FAQs about Adoption from Pregnant Women in Prison

• What are My Options?

You may be wondering if adoption is the right choice for you or if you want to parent your child. Like with any pregnant woman, the answers to these questions depend on your personal circumstances. 

Whether you will be able to raise your child in the future will depend on how long your sentence is, whether or not you have friends or family who can take care of your child while you are incarcerated, and the laws of your specific state. 

Adoption, however, is available to every pregnant woman. While it may be more difficult to seek out resources such as adoption counseling, make sure you advocate for yourself and reach out to friends and family who can advocate for you outside of prison.

• Will I be able to Choose My Adoptive Family?

Absolutely! Every woman has the right to choose their adoptive family and you are no exception. Once you are in contact with Adoption Choices of New York, we will provide you with a list of possible waiting families. You may have certain preferences, such as family size or religion, that you want to take into consideration. 

We understand that it may give you peace of mind to be able to contact your adoptive family, and this is an option if you are interested. You will be able to send letters to your adoptive family and any expenses such as stamps will be covered. We believe that every pregnant woman deserves to have control of her adoption journey, and we will do whatever we can to make that happen.

• What will My Birth Experience be like in Prison?

When you go into labor, you will be taken to a designated hospital while under security measures designated by your prison. Before you go into labor, you will be able to create a birth plan that details your birthing preferences. 

After you give birth, you will be able to spend 24-48 hours with your baby before finalizing the adoption. Your rights and the details of the contract will be communicated to you clearly. Once you sign the proper documentation, you will place your child for adoption and relinquish all your parental rights.

How to Place Your Baby for Adoption as an Incarcerated Woman in Prison

No matter your circumstances, adoption is an option for any woman. If you feel that adoption is the best choice for you, know that Adoption Choices of New York will make sure that your adoption journey goes as smoothly as possible. We will work in collaboration with you and your prison caseworker to make sure you are empowered throughout your adoption journey, and that you are able to make the necessary choices to benefit you and your child.

Adoption Choices of New York is available to assist with your adoption plan. Call us, text us, email us; we are here for you!
Contact Us 24/7: 800-505-8592 (Phone) | 518-478-8420 | Click to Email

About the Author: Alexandra Georgiton is a fourth-year student at the University of Cincinnati studying Rhetoric and Professional Writing, and is receiving certification in Copyediting and Publishing. She has been passionate about the English language for her entire life, and reading and writing have always been her favorite hobbies. She enjoys professional writing and editing because she loves to use her talent and love of writing to make a difference in the world.