Last-Minute Adoption during the COVID-19 Pandemic

It is not uncommon for women to decide on adoption towards the end of the pregnancy, at the hospital prior to or even after the delivery. So, if you find yourself in this situation, you are not alone. Perhaps you’ve needed extra time to think about what you wanted to do about your unplanned pregnancy. Perhaps you weren’t sure if it was safe to still choose adoption with the COVID-19 pandemic going on. Maybe you’ve seriously considered raising your child yourself, but then changed your mind.

Whatever your reasoning, know that it’s all valid. It’s true that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented an entirely new set of challenges and fears for pregnant women. Many expectant mothers have faced financial hardships due to self-quarantine for safety and health, unemployment and many other reasons. What’s more, Pregnant mothers have been under a much higher level of stress and anxiety during the pandemic.

However, there’s good news! It’s safe to give birth and place your baby for adoption. Adoption Choices of Oklahoma provides adoption support and services to pregnant mothers for a last-minute adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is a Last-Minute Adoption?

A last-minute adoption takes place at the end of the pregnancy or following the birth of the baby. Many birth mothers may decide on adoption during this last minute window for a variety of reasons. Regardless of the reason, however, adoption is a gift that birth mothers choose to give their child. Adoption agencies, such as Adoption Choices of Oklahoma, provide information and support to expectant mothers that choose a last-minute adoption. It is never too late to choose adoption.

What Can You Expect When You Decide on a Last-Minute Adoption?

If you decide to choose adoption in the midst of labor, or after your baby is born, you’ll want to be sure to let your attending nurse know, so that he or she can get into contact with a local adoption agency, like Adoption Choices of Oklahoma. Once that happens, and an adoption caseworker arrives, here are some of the steps you can expect to encounter in the last-minute adoption process:

• You will create an adoption plan. With the help of your adoption caseworker, you will have the chance to put together an adoption plan, which outlines everything you’re wanting out of your adoption. This includes how involved you want to be in your child’s life after the adoption has been finalized. There are three different levels of openness to choose from — open, semi-open and closed. Each provides its own pros and cons, so be sure to consult with your adoption caseworker to see which one fits you best.
• You can choose your child’s adoptive parents. Even though you are placing your baby for adoption last minute, you can still choose the adoptive parents who will raise your child. To do this, your adoption caseworker will present you with several adoptive parent profiles for you to review and select who you think would be the best fit. However, this isn’t a requirement. If you’d rather our adoption agency choose the adoptive parents, that’s an option as well.
• You will need to sign relinquishment paperwork. Once you’ve finalized your adoption plan and selected your adoptive parents, you will need to sign away your parental rights. Doing so will allow the adoptive parents to legally adopt your child in court and become his or her parents.
• You can receive post-placement support. After the adoption has been finalized, and your birth child goes home with their adoptive parents, your adoption caseworker can provide support for up to 8 weeks after delivery. You can also receive post-placement support through our free counseling services for up to 6 months after delivery.

Overall, the last-minute adoption process is no different than if you had placed your baby for adoption earlier on in your pregnancy. You will be treated with the utmost respect, and we will make sure to handle your adoption process with the same care as we would with any other adoption. Our birth parent counselors will support you all along the way.

Choosing Last-Minute Adoption during the COVID-19 Pandemic

We know that making the decision to choose adoption can be overwhelming, and that you might have concerns about doing so during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Adoption Choices of Oklahoma wants you to know that you are not alone. That it’s still safe to place your baby for adoption. We are here for you, to discuss all options available to you and answer any specific questions you may have. A last-minute adoption is a wonderful gift and we will guide you through the adoption process. It is never too late to choose adoption.

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: Becca Kent was born and raised in San Diego, California. She has discovered that finding purpose in life without that aspect of family life can certainly be a whirlwind. She has been on an interesting journey — moving from San Diego, CA to Chattanooga, TN. After graduating high school, she enrolled at Chattanooga State and later transferred to UT Chattanooga.

She worked as a licensed veterinary technician from 2012 to 2020. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Geology, she moved to north Alabama to pursue an entry level career in manufacturing/engineering. Becca currently works in quality control in a ceramic tile plant.