Can I Put a Sick or Special Needs Baby Up for Adoption?

Finding out you are carrying a baby with special needs or medical challenges can be difficult, especially when your pregnancy is unplanned. You might be panicked if you feel you are ill-prepared to raise a child with special needs. You may also wonder whether adoption is a possibility in your situation.

If you’re asking, “Can I give a sick or special needs baby up for adoption?” the answer is yes. This process is just as much a possibility for you as it is for any other woman unprepared to raise a child. While there will be some unique considerations to be aware of, the process of putting a special needs baby up for adoption is very similar to putting a healthy child up for adoption.

At Thompson Dove Law Group, we truly believe there is a family for every child, including those who are born with disabilities or special needs. When you work with our law firm for your adoption, we can help you find that right family.

Can I Put a Sick or Special Needs Baby Up for Adoption in South Carolina?

The health of a baby does not determine whether their mother can place them for adoption. Every woman has the right to choose adoption if she believes that is what is best for her and her baby.

In many cases, women who choose to place their babies for adoption are doing so because they feel they are providing a better life for their child. If they are unexpectedly pregnant, some women feel they are not prepared to raise a child — especially one with special needs. A child who is sick or has ongoing special needs will require more time, focus and money than an otherwise healthy child. While that child’s biological mother may be unable to provide that for their child, there are hopeful adoptive parents who are fully prepared for and will embrace the opportunity to raise a special needs or sick child from birth.

When you start making your adoption plan, you will be asked to disclose your non-identifying personal and medical history. Your adoption professional will also ask for any prenatal medical records. These documents will help your adoption professional guide you through the process of putting a special needs baby up for adoption, including any additional medical care you and your baby will receive. Your medical care will always be free to you if you choose to pursue adoption, and your adoption professional will help you find a family who is financially prepared for any additional medical care your baby requires.

Know that there is a path ahead of you if you’re asking, “Can I place a sick baby up for adoption?” Our adoption professionals will help guide you through it.

What is the Process of Giving a Sick Baby Up for Adoption?

In many ways, the process of placing a special needs baby up for adoption is no different from placing any other infant for adoption. You will still be in charge of the process every step of the way and have the same rights and choices as any other woman placing her child for adoption.

In general, here’s what you can expect from your adoption process:

Step 1: After deciding adoption is right for you and your baby, you will create a personalized adoption plan with your adoption professional.

Step 2: You will choose an adoptive family for your baby and have the opportunity to meet them, if you wish.

Step 3: You will create a hospital birth plan for your delivery.

Step 4: After you give birth, you will sign your consent for adoption (but only when you are ready).

Step 5: You will be able to maintain post-placement contact with your baby’s adoptive family, if you choose.

Your medical professional will prepare you for any unique situations that you may expect in the hospital because of your baby’s health needs. For example, you may need to sleep in a different room than your baby while they receive treatment, and you may be discharged at different times. Our professionals will coordinate with your medical professional to create a hospital birth plan that addresses your individual desires and accommodates the needs of your baby.

How Will I Find a Family for My Special Needs Baby?

Women who are expecting a baby with special mental, physical or medical needs may worry that adoption is not an option for them. Specifically, they may wonder, “How can I put a sick baby up for adoption if no one will want them?”

There will always be a family who is prepared to meet the needs of your baby, and the professionals at Thompson Dove Law Group will work closely with you to help you find them. Every family we work with goes through extensive background checks and completes an adoption home study to ensure they are prepared for an adopted child. Those who express interest in adopting a sick or special needs child are fully educated on the responsibility of this task and are approved by a licensed professional before they are cleared to adopt a special needs child.

If we do not have a family in our program who meets your preferences, we will work tirelessly to find the right family for your baby through other avenues. We know there is a family out there for every prospective birth mother and baby, and we promise to help you find the right one for you.

To learn more about the process of placing a sick or special needs baby for adoption in South Carolina, please contact our adoption professionals today.

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