January 25, 2017

Acknowledging Birth Father Rights

Birth father rights are largely absent from conversations about the adoption process. This needs to be changed because birth father rights are just as legitimate as birth mother rights and to dismiss that perpetuates stereotypes that are not helpful to anyone. Furthermore, if a birth father’s rights are not acknowledged during the adoption process it can have a very real impact on the adoption plan. Even after placement, if a birth father has not been alerted that an adoption process is in place he would have every right to come in and make his voice heard. Leaving him out of the process is not an option.

Whether or not the birth father is known, there are a series of actions that must be completed to ensure all efforts have been made to contact a potential father. If the birth father is not known, there are necessary legal steps one must take to show they’ve done everything in their power to alert a potential birth father that an adoption is in process. These laws vary state-by-state, so it is vital that you review what’s required in both the birth mother and adoptive family’s states.

We understand this can be a tough step for many women, but it’s no tougher than what will happen if these rights are not properly addressed. They are legal rights through and through, and it’s vital that all parties involved understand the rights so they can be properly adhered to.

This birth father legal guide from Adoptive Families is incredibly helpful. It breaks down the how-to of researching laws state by state, as well as what to do if the birth father is known or unknown. Keep it on hand and review every step with your adoption agency. Make sure they are aligned with you on taking all action needed to respect the birth father’s rights throughout the adoption process.

The Adoptive Families piece discusses another important point: that services traditionally offered to birth mothers should also be available birth fathers. Birth fathers deserve legal counsel and adoption counseling as well, and those services should be offered to birth fathers the same way they are offered to birth mothers.

“When the birth father is a part of the adoption plan,” the guide says, “and is working alongside the birth mother, it is important to treat both birth parents equally. The birth father is an indispensable part of your child’s adoption story, and he should be treated with respect and gratitude.”

Agreed.