Placing a Child for Adoption

Placing a child for adoption is one of the most emotional decisions a person is likely to make in their lifetime.  It is especially emotional for the mother.  The law attempts to balance understanding for the feelings of the biological parents and the child's need for certainty.  The feelings of the adopting parents are not part of the balance, even though they can suffer terribly as well.

The central issue in this highly emotional drama is finality.   At some point the consent has to be irrevocable.  The law gives the biological parents a window of time in which they can revoke their consent.  After that window closes, they have no legal connection to the child they brought into this world.  Legally, they are in the same position as a stranger walking down the street.  They have no rights at all. 

Any person placing a child for adoption should give very careful thought to their decision.