Making decisions for an unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming, especially if you aren’t sure what you want to do. In order to make the most informed choice possible, you’ll need access to unbiased, accurate information about each of your options. As a trusted adoption agency for more than 30 years, Adoption Advocates can help you learn more about open adoption, but that’s not all. As part of our conversations, we’ll discuss all of your options with you, so that you can feel confident in the choice you make.
Clients in Midland, Odessa and surrounding areas in Texas, are served by adoption specialist, Alicia Ports.
Call or Text: (512) 270-8415
Email: [email protected]
Services Offered for Expectant Parents
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, you can move forward with an adoption plan. Although things will move faster, you will still have the same rights and ability to make choices that an expectant mother does. An adoption specialist will visit you to answer your questions, help you complete paperwork, share waiting family profiles and discuss a post-placement plan. You will receive counseling and support after relinquishment as well, for as long as you choose.
Here’s a look at what to expect with the adoption process if your baby has already been born:
GET IN TOUCH: Reach out to us by calling (512) 477-1122 or texting (512) 270-8415. If you’re still in the hospital, you can ask the hospital’s social worker to help you get in touch with us. We already work with many hospital social workers throughout Texas.
MEET WITH A SPECIALIST: An experienced adoption specialist will visit you as soon as possible, usually within a few hours. She will explain your options, the different types of adoption and what comes next. After learning more about adoption, you’ll decide if you want to move forward with placing your baby for adoption.
MAKE CHOICES: If you’re ready, you’ll begin making choices for you and your baby’s future. You’ll need to decide if you want an open, semi-open or closed adoption. You can start looking at adoptive family profile books and choose one. If you do not want to choose the family, the agency can select for you. Remember, you are still in control of all of your choices.
SIGN PAPERWORK: If you’re sure about adoption and it’s been at least 48 hours since the baby was born, you’ll sign the relinquishment papers. Your chosen adoptive family will be able to take the baby home as soon as the hospital discharges him or her.
The adoption process moves quickly after a baby is born, and 48 hours may not be enough time for you to make a decision. Signing the relinquishment papers is permanent, so you need to be certain this is the right step for you. If you need more time, we can arrange for short-term interim care (also known as cradle care) after your baby is released from the hospital. You’ll be able to continue exploring your options and spend time with your baby before you make a final decision. Even though your relationship with Adoption Advocates began after your baby was born, we hope it doesn’t end there. Many women experience difficult emotions, including grief and sadness, after placement. We’re here to help you through those emotions with adoption counseling for as long as you need, at no cost to you.
Parents who adopt from Adoption Advocates are educated to respect the special bond between the child and the birth family. By knowing you and receiving information from you, they can raise the child that knows where they came from. Although open adoption agreements are not legally enforceable in Texas, chances are that you will choose a family who you like and trust, and they will be committed to honoring their agreement with you.
An open adoption means that you get to choose the adoptive parents, and you can maintain some degree of contact with them. In an open adoption, you will always be honored as the child’s birth parent, because that’s who you are. In almost all adoption plans, the adoptive parents provide pictures and letters and exchange phone calls with birth parents. Depending on the relationship that develops between you and your adoptive parents, sometimes there is visitation. The most important thing to remember is that an open adoption is what the participants jointly decide that it should be. Open adoption is an informal agreement based on trust and respect.
It’s OK not to be sure about adoption right away. This is a really important decision! Take as much time as you need. Your adoption specialist will discuss all of your options with you — without pressure or judgment. Our goal is to provide support and answers, so that you can make an informed decision.
After speaking to an adoption specialist, you may decide that adoption is not right for you. That’s OK too. If you decide to parent, Adoption Advocates can direct you to resources to provide assistance during your pregnancy and your child’s early years.
Pregnancy can be a challenging time for many women, and it’s even more stressful if you weren’t planning for it. Luckily, there are resources near you that offer free or low-cost assistance. From pregnancy tests to maternity care hospitals, these organizations in the Midland-Odessa area can make sure both you and your baby stay healthy. If you’re uninsured, you may be eligible for Texas Pregnancy Medicaid to cover your pregnancy-related health care costs.
Midland-Odessa Pregnancy Testing & Family Planning
Regional Perinatal Center – Odessa Regional Medical Center
Medical Office Building
420 East Sixth Street, Suite 202
Odessa, TX
(432) 582-8000
Visit website
The Life Center
2101 W. Wall St.
Midland, TX 79701
(432) 683-6072
Visit website
Birthright of Odessa
2125 East 42nd Street
Odessa, TX 79762
(432) 332-0081
Visit website
Midland-Odessa Prenatal Care & Hospitals
ORMC Women & Children’s Center
520 East Sixth Street
Odessa, Texas 79761
(432) 582-8000
Website
Midland Community Healthcare Services (CHS)
400 Rosalind Redfern Grover Parkway
3rd Floor Midland Memorial Hospital
Midland, TX
(432) 681-3100
Website
Additional Resources
Texas Health & Human Services Benefits Office
3401 N. A Street
Midland, TX 79705
(432) 687-1591
Apply online
Offers assistance with SNAP, TANF and family/children’s Medicaid
Texas Health & Human Services Benefits Office
3401 N. A Street
Midland, TX 79705
(432) 687-1591
Apply online
Offers assistance with SNAP, TANF and family/children’s Medicaid
Odessa WIC
835 Tower Dr., Suite 34
Odessa, TX 79762
(432) 444-5687
Apply online
Hope Chest of Midland
400 Rosalind Redfern Grover Parkway
Midland, TX, 79701
(432) 221-1150
Get help
Nurse Family Partnership
University of Texas of the Permian Basin
(432) 552-4025
Get help
Helping Hands of Midland
1301 Brinson Lane
Midland, TX 79703
(432) 520-8900
Get help
ADVICE FROM A BIRTH MOTHER
No matter where the baby ends up, people will often feel obligated to tell you to do what they feel is right or what you “should” do. Only you know what is right for you, and what’s right for what’s growing inside you.
Sarah D. | BIRTH MOTHER
Take the First Step Now
Ready to get started? Complete the form below and we’ll be in touch to discuss your situation and see how we can help. You can also reach out directly to our Midland-Odessa adoption specialist Alicia by calling or texting (512) 270-8415.
