Understanding Your Right to Change Your Mind

If you're pregnant and considering adoption, you may already feel the weight of the decision pressing down on you. It's an emotional journey one filled with uncertainty, love, fear, and strength. One common concern many birthmothers face is this: "What if I change my mind before the adoption is finalized?" In Ohio, the answer is clear: you are legally allowed to change your mind about adoption at any point before signing consent forms.

Making an adoption plan does not lock you into a decision. It’s a path you are exploring, not a permanent legal commitment until paperwork is completed after birth. This space exists so that you can take the time you need to decide what’s best for you and your baby.

What Is an Adoption Plan and Is It Binding?

An adoption plan is your roadmap it outlines the kind of family you want for your child, how involved you’d like to be, what kind of hospital experience you envision, and what kind of post-placement contact feels right. But this plan is not a legal contract.

You are not bound to it. You can change your mind at any point before the legal paperwork is signed—this includes:



• Changing the family you’ve chosen
• Changing the type of adoption you want
• Deciding not to go through with adoption at all
  

What Happens If You Change Your Mind Before Signing?

Let’s say you’ve met with a counselor, selected a family, even had a hospital plan in place but your instincts are pulling you in a different direction. You are still fully in control. Until legal consent forms are signed after birth, you retain full parental rights.

Our counselors at CFK will support you without pressure or judgment. You’re not the first birthmother to reconsider, and you won’t be the last. We will talk through your emotions, help you evaluate your options again, and give you room to decide what feels right.

How Does Consent Work in Ohio?

In Ohio, you cannot legally consent to an adoption until after the baby is born. Typically, this consent is signed at least 72 hours after delivery to ensure you're emotionally and physically stable. This waiting period gives you additional time to reflect.

Once you sign legal consent, it may become much harder or in some cases, not legally possible—to revoke that decision. That’s why we work so hard at CFK to support your right to take your time before you sign anything.

Changing Your Hospital Plan

If you decide not to place your baby for adoption, you can also change your birth and hospital plan. For example, if you originally wanted the adoptive parents in the delivery room, you can update those preferences.

Your counselor will help you notify the hospital staff and coordinate any changes discreetly and respectfully. It’s your experience and it should reflect your current feelings, not a plan you made weeks ago.

Will the Adoptive Family Be Angry or Hurt?

It’s natural to worry about how others may react. But remember: you are not responsible for managing others’ expectations when it comes to your child’s future. While the adoptive family may feel disappointed, most understand that this process involves deep emotional decisions.

Ethical adoption professionals prepare families for this possibility and help them process the outcome. No one should ever make you feel guilty for choosing what’s best for your baby even if that means deciding to parent instead.

What If I Want to Pause the Process Instead of Ending It?

You may not feel ready to make a decision right now. That’s okay. You can take a break from planning, reflect, and return to the process later if it feels right. Adoption is not an all or nothing commitment at the start.

Let your counselor know if you want to hit pause. You might ask for space to think, get more questions answered, or just take care of yourself emotionally and physically for a while.

Listening to Your Instincts Without Guilt

Many birthmothers feel torn between what others think they should do and what they truly want to do. You are allowed to listen to your instincts. If something doesn’t sit right with you, give yourself permission to explore why.

Some questions you might ask yourself:



• Do I feel peace when I think about adoption or do I feel conflicted?
• Am I choosing this because it’s right for me, or because I feel pressured?
• Have I explored all the support available to me if I chose to parent?
  

You Have Options Even After Delivery

Even after birth, you still have time to make your decision. In fact, some birthmothers don’t finalize their choice for days or even weeks after giving birth. You are not on a clock. What matters most is that the decision is yours and that it’s made with clarity and support.

Our counselors at CFK will be there for you at the hospital, after delivery, and in the days following. If you change your mind and decide to parent, we’ll help you transition with support. If you decide to continue with adoption, we’ll ensure your wishes are carried out with respect and compassion.

Remember: This Is Your Story

No one else walks in your shoes. No one else feels your feelings, lives your experiences, or loves your baby the way you do. You deserve the time, space, and support to make the choice that’s right for both of you.

Changing your mind before an adoption is finalized is not a failure. It’s a sign that you are thoughtfully considering your child’s future and your own.

FAQs: Changing Your Mind About Adoption Before Birth