Adoption can be the best thing for you and your baby because:

• It allows you to continue to pursue your career goals in the military.
• Your baby will be cherished and loved by the adoptive family of your choosing.
• Your connection with your baby can last a lifetime thanks to open adoption.

Military members “giving kids up” for adoption is more common than you might think. If you’re facing an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy, then it could be the right choice for you.

In order to figure out whether or not you should choose adoption, you need to know a bit more about how the process works and what your alternatives are. Then, you can make an informed decision and do what’s best for yourself and your baby.

Please contact us today if you have more questions and would like to get in touch with an adoption agency.

Can You Put Your Baby Up for Adoption While in the Military?

Yes, you can. Adoption is always an option when you are facing an unplanned pregnancy. Just like any other citizen, you can choose to create an adoption plan and place your baby in the care of a loving family. Your active duty status and even your deployment will not stop you from doing this.

Not sure if adoption is the right decision for you? We’ll explore the reasons that military members “give kids up” for adoption below. But, here, it’s important to know that adoption is not “giving up.”

You’re a member of the military, which means you understand discipline, ethics and hard work. You know that most things worth doing don’t come easy.

Well, adoption is challenging. But, it’s always worth it. It takes strength and courage. It’s a selfless decision to put the best interests of your child above your own. You may feel unsure about adoption because you have heard that it’s “giving up,” but this is not giving up at all.

Adoption gives your baby the love of a family, the safety and security of a home, and the hope of a future full of opportunity.

How Do I Put My Baby Up for Adoption if I’m Active Duty Military?

Understanding how the process works can help you decide if adoption is the best thing for you.

The adoption process can be complicated. Military members “giving kids up” for adoption will each have a unique journey based on their experiences. That said, you will need to complete these big steps in any adoption process:

Step 1: Choose an adoption agency.

Agencies help you make your adoption plan and make sure you are taken care of during the process. An agency’s services are the most important part of completing a successful adoption.

Interested in getting in touch with an adoption agency today? We’d be happy to connect you with a trustworthy professional.

Step 2: Pick the adoptive family that will be best for your baby.

You’re in charge when you put your child up for adoption while in the military. With the help of your adoption agency, you’ll take the time to look through as many adoptive family profiles as you want until you find one that you think will be perfect for your baby.

Step 3: Prepare for the adoption placement.

Want to get to know the adoptive parents before placement? You can do that through open adoption communication. When you create your adoption plan (back in step one), you’ll decide on the level of openness you want — another way that you are in charge of the process.

Step 4: Complete your placement.

Placement happens after you have given birth and completed the adoption paperwork. For an adoptive family, this is one of the most important moments of their life. And it wouldn’t be possible without your brave, loving sacrifice.

Step 5: Stay connected through open adoption.

Military members “giving children up” for adoption don’t say goodbye forever at placement. Yes, placement is final. But, your connection can continue through open adoption. Depending on your level of comfort, this communication can be anything from occasional letters, to phone calls, to in-person visits.

Reasons for “Giving Your Baby Up” for Adoption in the Army, Navy, or Air Force

Why should you choose adoption for your baby?

Your answer will be unique because you are coming to adoption from unique circumstances. Only you can really know your ultimate motivation. For many military members “giving babies up” for adoption, they will say:

Adoption was the best way to love my child.

Women considering adoption often fear that their child will resent them, or that they won’t be totally loved by the adoptive parents. The truth is that children who are adopted are loved deeply be their families. Thanks to open adoption and modern-day adoption education, they also oftentimes think of their birth parents as heroes who made a loving sacrifice.

Adoption was the best way to continue my military service.

You’ve worked hard for your career in military service. An unplanned pregnancy can derail that. Adoption is a way to act on the love you feel for your baby and continue to pursue your commitment to serving our nation.

Adoption was challenging, but I knew it was right.

At the end of the day, many military members “giving kids up” for adoption just have a gut feeling. You know adoption will be right. It will be challenging, but so are most things worth doing in life.

Alternative Unplanned Pregnancy Options

What if none of those reasons above resonate with you, and you can’t stop feeling like adoption may not be the right thing? When you think about adoption, do you feel uneasy?

If so, then you may want to look into other unplanned pregnancy options so that you can continue your military service without placing your child for adoption.

Two of the most common options are:

• Create a family care plan where other members of your family take legal custody of your child until your deployment is over.
• Establish a temporary legal guardian to care for and protect your child until you are ready to assume the responsibilities of parenting.

Contact Us Today

Are you ready to start your adoption process? Do you need a bit more information before you can make a decision? Either way, you can get the information and services you need when you contact us today. We will connect you with a national adoption agency that can provide helpful (and free) services right away.