Adoption in Oklahoma After Roe v Wade

By Eric Somarriba

With Roe v. Wade being overturned this past summer, expectant mothers must face many new questions. It’s now up to individual states to decide on their own policies on termination. Some states have changed very little, while others now have heavy restrictions. When watching as so many policies now change, you may be wondering how this affects adoption in Oklahoma. If the option to terminate your pregnancy is now gone, you may be looking at adoption next. What’s important to know, however, is that adoption is an entirely different decision to make. We will explain Oklahoma’s new policies after Roe v Wade’s overturning and what it means to choose adoption.

Adoption Choices of Oklahoma has spent 19 years guiding women throughout their adoption journeys. We see adoption as a truly beautiful thing, but as an agency, we respect women’s rights and their choices. Only you know what’s best for yourself, and if you see adoption as what’s best, we’re ready to help. Our agencies hope we can be the ones to help you through an unplanned pregnancy.

Oklahoma Policy After Roe v Wade

Roe v. Wade was what protected a woman’s right to terminate their pregnancy for decades. Now that it has been struck down, an upheaval has occurred in many states with new restrictions. From the New York Times, it’s known that Oklahoma has enacted a ban on termination after fertilization. It’s all but impossible for a woman to know when fertilization occurs, so this is essentially a full ban. While some Oklahomans can travel to receive the procedure, many have lost the option entirely. With termination gone for many, the question now becomes a woman’s options while facing an unplanned pregnancy.

Has Adoption Changed After Roe v Wade?

Ultimately, the adoption process itself has changed very little after Roe v Wade was overturned. You can still connect with our adoption agencies to learn more about the process while deciding how to manage your pregnancy. Every step, from creating the adoption plan to the moment of birth, still operates in the same way. Our agencies still have all of our typical resources to help you, such as safe housing or financial aid. Meeting and deciding on an adoptive family are mostly the same, though there may be one difference. If you interview a potential family, you may ask their thoughts on Roe v. Wade if you feel it’s important. So, as it stands, Oklahoma adoption is the same as it’s always been. You need to know now that adoption isn’t a mere substitute, and you shouldn’t treat it as such.

Adoption is Not a Substitute

If you were considering terminating your pregnancy but have lost the opportunity, don’t think adoption is just a plan B. Adoption is not a substitute. It’s an entirely different option when facing an unplanned pregnancy. It’s a very different decision to come to and has its own consequences. Terminating a pregnancy ends the experience right then and there, other than what you may feel after it. By choosing adoption, you will carry the baby to term and give birth which may make you connect with them. Adoption can have lifelong effects; you may still be contacting your baby throughout their whole life, even after the process. Even if you choose to have no contact, putting your child up for adoption means they’re still out there. Your child will have questions about you and could try and seek you out someday.

Also, adoption can be a long and hard process with many steps. Our agencies build themselves upon making it as easy as possible for you, but it doesn’t change what it takes. Every step mentioned above still takes place regardless of Roe v. Wade because adoption couldn’t be more different. Adoption shouldn’t be the next best thing for you. You need to decide if it truly is what’s best. For some mothers, it is their best option. For some, it isn’t. You’re thinking of both you and your child’s future with adoption, so only choose it if you’re ready.

Adoption vs. Termination with Adoption Choices of Oklahoma

This article isn’t trying to convince you to choose adoption or saying you shouldn’t if you were considering termination. We’re not here to tell you what to do, only the facts about what has changed since the overturning. Adoption is a very different process, and you need to know that. It’s an entirely different path that takes your life in a new direction. Choose adoption because you know it will work for you, not because it could be one of the few options now.

To begin your adoption journey with us, contact an adoption center near you. Adoption Choices of Oklahoma is a private adoption agency licensed by the state of Oklahoma and a leader in the adoption community. We have been assisting birth parents, children, and adoptive families in Oklahoma for over 19 years. Our staff members are committed to providing an ethical, empowering, and personalized adoption experience to all involved in the adoption process.  If you are currently in the process of adopting a baby and have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.

Toll-free: 800-898-6028 | OKC Local: 405-755-1999 | Tulsa Local: 918-447-7777 | Text: 405-201-6643 | Email

Resources: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/us/abortion-laws-roe-v-wade.html