Can You Put Your Child Up for Adoption While in the Military?
If you are currently in the military, an unplanned pregnancy can come as an unwelcome surprise. Depending on your situation, you may have decided that becoming a parent and raising a child is not a responsibility you want or can commit to right now. Perhaps you have deployed, are stationed overseas, or have future plans that would be difficult to achieve as a parent.
There are many reasons you may be considering placing your child for adoption and it’s only natural to wonder what options are available to you as a woman with an unplanned pregnancy in the military. You are bound to have a lot of questions. If one of them is “Can you put your child up for adoption while in the military?” then look no further! Adoption Choices of Oklahoma has your answer!
Options for Unplanned Pregnancy in the Military
The civilian and military worlds may differ in a lot of ways, but the options available to you for an unwanted or unexpected pregnancy are the same. You have three choices: raise the child, terminate your pregnancy or place your child for adoption. It’s important to remember that you have options and should not feel forced or pressured into a decision.
There are also three types of adoption: open, semi-open, and closed. Open adoption is the most common type of adoption in the US, but that does not mean it is right for you and your situation. Do thorough research, think carefully over your options, and make a decision you feel is best for you.
Choosing Adoption While in the Military
Can you put your child up for adoption while in the military? The simple answer is yes! Once you have decided on adoption for your child, an adoption agency — like Adoption Choices of Oklahoma — would be able to help you get started and answer any other questions you may have. If you are pregnant and are stationed or have been deployed overseas, placing your child for adoption is still possible. You will need to give birth in the U.S. and be present for parts of the adoption process. So, be sure to plan your travel arrangements ahead of time.
What is the Adoption Process for Military Members?
The adoption process for military members is the same for any birth parent, although the process may vary slightly between adoption agencies. Your first steps will be getting in contact with an adoption agency and creating an adoption plan. With your adoption plan, you will have decision-making control over your adoption experience and the opportunity to select the best options for you and your child. With Adoption Choices of Oklahoma, your adoption plan will include the following steps:
1. Assignment of a Birth Parent Counselor
Your Birth Parent Counselor is there to assist you in any way she can. She will be your advocate throughout your adoption experience and will walk you through the process step-by-step. If you have any questions or need a little guidance, your Birth Parent Counselor will help get you on the right track.
2. Selection of an Adoption Family
During this step, you will have the option to view prospective adoptive family profiles. You will be able to look for families that match the values and characteristics you want your child’s adoptive family to have. There are also military families out there who are looking to adopt and would be thrilled to give a child of a military member a loving home! You are in control of selecting the perfect family for your child – take your time, trust your instincts, and pick an adoptive family you can picture your child having a bright and wonderful future with.
3. Pregnancy and Pre-Adoption Support
This step includes any support related to doctor visits, pregnancy expenses, transportation, housing, your hospital plan, etc. Your Birth Parent Counselor will be there to help you with these needs and more. Once you reach the end of this step, it’s important to understand that the adoption will be final, and you will have legally relinquished your parental rights.
Depending on which type of adoption you choose, this does not mean you will not have a relationship with your child and their adoptive family. Open and semi-open adoptions are good choices to consider if you would like the option of maintaining some form of contact with your child and their family. This way, even if you are stationed far away, you can still be a part of your child’s life and they can remain a part of yours.
4. Post-Adoption Support
If you require any extra help or advice post adoption, your Birth Parent Counselor will be available to assist you for up to eight weeks following the birth of your child. You will also have access to counseling with one of our licensed counselors for up to six months following delivery. You may want to consider finding out what counseling or emotional support options the military has to offer as well.
Adoption is Always an Option
An unwanted or unexpected pregnancy does not have to feel like the end of the world, nor does it have to impact your future military plans. By placing your child for adoption while in the military, you can help your child find a family that will love him or her as their own and you have the freedom to continue serving your country and living the life you have envisioned for yourself. Adoption isn’t always the right option for everyone, but it’s always an option. Adoption Choices of Oklahoma thanks you for your service and if you are considering adoption, it would be an honor to serve you!
Adoption Choices of Oklahoma is a private adoption agency, licensed by the state of Oklahoma and 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: 405-310-8790 | Email
Meet the Author: Kristle Hailes is just your average, Alaska-born writer with a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a dragon’s hoard of books and tea. In addition to educating young minds for over 12 years as a teacher, Kristle is also a professional daydreamer, world-builder, author-in-progress, and wordsmith. Writing is the air in her lungs, and she has been breathing life into paper ever since she learned her ABCs and realized you could play with words.
Kristle currently lives in South Carolina where she can usually be found face-deep in a book and a cup of tea or digging herself out of plot holes while working on the first novel of her adult contemporary fantasy series.
