What if an Expectant Mother and Father Disagree with Each Other on Adoption?

Expectant parents disagreeing with each other on an adoption plan is a very common situation. Sometimes one parent or the other feels strongly that adoption is the best thing for the child, and the other feels strongly that parenting is best. When this happens, there are several things to consider.

Legally, mothers typically have more rights than fathers when it comes to children. For example, all states require the birth mother’s consent to the termination of her parental rights in a domestic adoption, but not all states require the father’s consent for the adoption to take place. This means that it’s possible for a woman to place her child without the man’s consent, but it is nearly impossible for a father to place without the mother’s consent. Fathers can attempt to contest an adoption if the mother wants to place, but there is no guarantee that he will be successful.

Morally speaking, if a parent is truly willing and able to raise their child, they have the right to do so. For one parent to strip the other of the right to parent without reason is unjust. Even if one parent truly believes that adoption is the best thing for the baby, they shouldn’t ignore the other party’s desire to parent. If one or both parents are in a place where they could legally parent, they should be unanimous in the decision to place.

However, there are times when it is the right thing for the child to be placed for adoption without one parent’s consent. Many women place without the father’s consent for the child’s safety. Sometimes the woman places her child because the father is violent or has a substance abuse problem. In cases like this, the child’s safety takes precedence over the father’s desires.

The ultimate thing both parents need to consider is the welfare of the child. When the child is prioritized over the desires of both parents, they can oftentimes come to an agreement. If the parents are together, can they provide a stable home, financially and emotionally? If they are not, can they come to a custody agreement amicably, rather than putting the child in the middle of a legal battle?

There is no perfect answer, and every situation is different. If at all possible, both parents should analyze the situation objectively and logically, and decide together what is best for the child.

Considering adoption? Choose a family to adopt your child. Visit Parent Profiles on Adoption.com or call 1-800-ADOPT-98. 

Annaleece Merrill is a birth mother to the cutest little girl on earth. She loves being an advocate for open adoption by writing, mentoring, and speaking at adoption panels. She attends Utah State University in Logan, Utah.