Is there anything more challenging than being a teenager considering putting a baby up for adoption? Your life was supposed to be focused on school, friends and dreams of the future. Now, this.

But there’s still hope for your future, because adoption is always an option.

Can a minor “give a child up” for adoption? In almost all cases, yes. She can. And we’ve created this guide to help you understand how adoption for teenage pregnancy works, including who can help you start your adoption journey.

We’re going to cover:

• The steps of the teenage pregnancy adoption process
• Teen mom laws to “give a child up” for adoption
• Pros and cons of teenage pregnancy adoption
• And more

Ready to get started?

How Does a Teenager “Give a Baby Up” for Adoption?

If you’re like most teenagers, this is the first time you’ve really researched adoption. It’s good that you’re here reading this, because learning how to “give your baby up” for adoption when underage is an important step in the process.

Once you understand how adoption works, you’ll have a better sense of whether or not it’s right for you.

Every adoption looks a bit different. You’re a unique person, and your journey will be unique, too. But, they all follow these big steps:

• Step 1: Choose adoption.
• Step 2: Find an agency and create a plan.
• Step 3: Pick the adoptive family.
• Step 4: Prepare for placement.
• Step 5: Complete placement.
• Step 6: Stay connected through post-placement contact.

If you’d like to learn more about each step of this process, we’d encourage you to read our in-depth guide. For now, what you need to know is that, aside from a few technicalities, how a teenager “gives a baby up” for adoption is the same as any other adoption process.

Teen Moms Laws to “Give a Child Up” for Adoption

Each state has its own adoption laws. Dealing with the legal system can often feel stressful and overwhelming. But, keep in mind that adoption laws are there to protect your rights.

When it comes to teen mom laws to “give a child up” for adoption, they’re mostly the same as any other adoption laws, with one exception. If you are a very young minor “giving baby up” for adoption, you might need your parents to give legal consent to the adoption.

When an adult places a baby for adoption, only the consent of the baby’s parents is required. But when a teen puts a baby up for adoption, the teen’s parents might also need to give official consent. This is determined by the specific adoption laws in your state.

Do you have to be a certain age to “give your baby up” for adoption? No. But, depending on your age, the difference between minor and an older person “giving up” for adoption could be the requirement for parental consent.

Since this article should not be taken as legal advice, it’s always a good idea to speak with an adoption attorney if you have more specific questions about teen mom laws to “give a child up” for adoption.

Pros and Cons of Teenage Pregnancy Adoption

Why should teens “give their baby up” for adoption? It really depends on the details of your specific situation.

There’s not a “right” answer to unplanned pregnancy as a teenager. Of your three options (parenting, abortion and adoption), any one could be right for you.

Are you still trying to figure out whether or not adoption for teenage pregnancy is right for you? It may help to see a list of pros and cons of teenage pregnancy adoption.

Pros of “Giving Your Child Up” for Adoption While a Teenager

• You can stay on track with your education.
• Your can pursue your long-term career goals.
• Your personal hopes and dreams that would be disrupted by becoming a teen mom can still come true.
• You can give your baby a wonderful family.
• You can receive support during the adoption process (like adoption financial assistance and professional counseling) that makes it easier to go through a pregnancy.
• You can have a long-lasting relationship with your child through open adoption.

Cons of Teenage Pregnancy Adoption

• You will need to carry the pregnancy to term.
• The emotions of adoption can be challenging.
• It can be difficult to explain your adoption story to others.

Adoption for teenage pregnancy could be the best thing for your life. Or, if adoption doesn’t seem right for your circumstances, abortion could be the best unplanned pregnancy option for you.

Adoption in Your Situation

We tend to group teenagers into one big group, but there’s a significant different between “giving your child up” for adoption at the age of 14 and choosing adoption at 18.

Your age can change how adoption works for you. Let’s look at that in more detail.

“Giving Your Child Up” for Adoption at the Age of 14

An unplanned pregnancy was probably the last thing on your mind at the start of high school. How would becoming a parent radically change your life at this age?

When you’re a 14-year-old girl, you can’t raise a child on your own. That’s why “giving your child up” for adoption at the age of 14 is the best option for most pregnant teenagers.

Depending on where you live, you may need parental consent to choose adoption at this age, so it’s important to talk with your parents about your pregnancy and adoption plan. Reach out to them for help. Together, you can work with an adoption agency to find the best outcome for your situation.

Choosing Adoption at 15 Years Old

“Should I keep my baby? I’m 15.”

If you’re asking this question, then we know you are facing a very difficult situation. You probably feel scared, stressed and confused. Unfortunately, becoming a parent at 15 will only add to these feelings. That’s why adoption for teenage pregnancy at 15 years old is often a good choice.

Choosing adoption can keep your education on track, make your life goals attainable, and give your baby a loving family. Remember, a minor “giving a baby up” for adoption at 15 might need parental consent, so talk to your parents honestly about your adoption plans.

Pregnant at 16. What Do I Do?

Unplanned pregnancy at 16 probably has your mind swirling with questions.

• I’m 16 and don’t want to be pregnant. What do I do?
• Can I give my baby up for adoption if I’m only 16?
• How does putting a child up for adoption at 16 work?

If you are 16 and pregnant, adoption is a way to carry on with your life while also giving your baby a loving family. The best way to find answers to your questions is to call an adoption agency. The agency can help you understand your options and get started with the process.

Can You “Give Your Baby Up” for Adoption if You Are 17?

At 17 years old, you’re almost an adult. But, that doesn’t mean you’re ready to be a parent. Your whole life is ahead of you — education, career, personal dreams and more.

That’s why it can be so hard to experience unplanned pregnancy at 17. “Giving your baby up” for adoption is a way to do what’s best for your future and your baby.

You can learn more and get started on your adoption by contacting an adoption agency. In the meantime, make sure you have seen a doctor and are doing what’s necessary to keep yourself in good health.

Consider talking with your parents or other trusted adults about what’s going on. They can provide important support and guidance.

Placing a Baby for Adoption at 18 Years Old

Unplanned pregnancy at 18 can totally derail your life. For many, college or work is just around the corner, and the prospect of becoming a parent is impossible. You’re left wondering, “I’m 18. Should I keep my baby?”

Just because you are legally an adult does not mean you are ready to become a parent. Adoption could be the best option for your situation.

At 18, you can choose adoption without parental consent in almost every case. Still, if your parents would support your decision, it’s a good idea to talk to them about this situation.

Adoption When You Are 19 Years Old

I’m 19. Should I keep my baby?

It’s a question that any 19-year-old facing an unplanned pregnancy will ask. While parenting is always an option, many 19-year-olds are not ready for that.

You can choose “giving your child up” for adoption for teen pregnancy. An adoption agency will be able to guide you through the process, connect you with important services, and provide the support you need during this difficult time.

Contact Us Today

We’ve mentioned the importance of contacting an adoption agency several times. If you are a teenager considering putting a baby up for adoption, you can contact us today to be connected with an agency.

This connection is always free, and you are never obligated to choose adoption.