Birthmother Hotline (800) 264-2229
Birthfathers
What rights does the father of the baby have?
If we know who he is, and if we can find him, he does have a right to know about your adoption plan. Depending on which state you live in, he may be required to sign a birthfather registry in order to exercise his rights. In other states, the law is designed to allow him to be notified.
What if I don’t know who he is?
This is an option that we work through on a case-by-case basis. Our goal is to protect both your rights and the rights of the unborn child. It is possible to complete an adoption plan even if you do not know who the birthfather is. In other words, if the pregnancy occurred because of a “one night stand” or a rape situation, processes exist to handle the legal situations.
Do I have to talk to the birthfather?
Birthfathers may be hesitant about adoption at first, but they usually realize that they may not have the time or resources to parent the child. Usually he just needs reassurance that he will not be shut out of the process and can be involved if he chooses. We will speak to him for you if you would prefer and lead him through the process.
What if the birthfather says that he will not cooperate with my adoption plan?
If the birthfather says that he will not cooperate, then he is required by the law in most states to provide for you and for your needs during your pregnancy. If he neglects his responsibility, he opens the door for his rights to be diminished or terminated.
However, it is our experience that many times birthfathers simply need to understand what adoption really is and how they can be involved in the process.