The decision to have a child is one of the most significant and life-changing choices you can make. But, sometimes, life circumstances or personal feelings change. What was once a happy thought may lead some to parenthood.

It’s normal for people to find themselves in the difficult position of thinking, “I don’t want my child anymore.” But, it’s essential to acknowledge and address these feelings and explore the options that are available for you when you no longer want to be a parent.

That’s why you should call a 24-hour hotline, such as 1-800-ADOPTION, or contact an adoption agency to begin your journey through the adoption process today.

What to Do if I Don’t Want My Child Anymore?

First, address the emotions you are feeling that have led you to not wanting a child anymore. Feelings of guilt, shame and grief can accompany your decision to no longer parent. It’s normal and OK to feel these emotions. You can find professional support today.

Every parent has moments where they doubt their ability to raise a child. It’s completely normal. Parenting is a difficult journey that will have unforeseen challenges.

After a child is born, a parent is coping with so much, such as

• A newborn that sleeps at odd hours
• Recovery from their childbirth experience
• New financial expenses

This can lead you to experience depression and anxiety that make you think “I don’t want my child anymore.”

There are professionals you can speak with for free about your situation. They will ask questions to help you choose the right path for you and your baby moving forward. Connect with an adoption agency today for more information. There will be no obligation to choose adoption.

Is It OK to Not Want Your Child?

Yes. Not wanting your child anymore doesn’t make you a bad parent. It may be that your circumstances don’t allow you to properly raise your child. You aren’t the first, nor are you the last pregnant mother to say “I don’t want my child anymore.”

There are resources and services available to you. Many pregnant women have shared similar situations to yours. And, it may help to see some of their stories.

A lot of women choose adoption for their baby when they face the tough decision to either keep their baby or give them an opportunity to have a bright future.

To better understand the benefits adoption can provide you and your baby, here are some testimonials from birth mothers who have walked in your shoes.

Where Do I Go if I Don’t Want My Child Anymore?

Adoption is always an option for your child. Where and how you put your child up for adoption is crucial. Before you get started, discover how the adoption process works and how a trusted adoption agency can help you find the perfect family for your child.

There are many private domestic adoption agencies that have the necessary services to complete your adoption. When you work with an adoption agency to place your child, you will receive financial assistance for pregnancy- and adoption-related living expenses.

“What to do if I don’t want my child anymore” can become “what a perfect, loving family I found for my child” with the right agency.

Below are some reputable national adoption agencies you can contact today:

• American Adoptions
• Family Connections Christian Adoptions
• Gladney Center for Adoption

Whether your child is a week, a month or even up to 4 years old, you can work with these adoption agencies. Once you start your relationship with an adoption agency, you’ll also receive:

• A trusted guide throughout the process
• 24/7 counseling and support
• Free legal representation 
• Post-placement support
• And much more 

When you don’t want your child anymore and place them for adoption, you are giving them and yourself an opportunity for the best possible future and giving a hopeful adoptive family the chance to grow. 

How Do I Put My Child up for Adoption?

• Step 1: Contact an adoption agency.
• Step 2: View waiting adoptive family profiles.
• Step 3: Choose the type of adoption.
• Step 4: Complete legal paperwork.
• Step 5: Complete the adoption placement.

When you first connect with an adoption agency, you’ll talk with a birth parent specialist who will provide you with all the information you need. For an adoption of an older child, there will be some additional information and documents you’ll need to provide before you can move forward with the process. This will typically include: 

• A copy of your child’s birth certificate
• Your child’s medical records
• The father’s name on the birth certificate
• Any child support provided by the father
• Documentation of everywhere your child has lived

Am I “Giving Up” if I Don’t Want My Child Anymore? 

You should not consider adoption as “giving up.” Although parenting can be a rewarding experience, it also has its challenges. Birth parents make the hard choice of adoption for their children every day because they love them and want them to have the best future imaginable. 

No matter the circumstances, you are not a bad parent. In fact, thinking about adoption means that you want only the best for your child, making you a wonderful parent. 

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