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Choose an Adoptive Family for Your Baby in Utah: It’s Your Decision
In Utah, you have the legal right to choose the family who adopts your baby. At Heart to Heart Adoptions, you can review more than a 100 families who have been vetted. We make sure these families are prepared, mentally, spiritually, and physically to adopt. The profiles you see will include photos, videos, letters, and personal stories. You can take your time. You can ask questions. You can even meet families before you decide. There is no pressure and no deadline. Utah’s SB154 law supports your right to make this choice based on what matters to you. The right family is out there. We will help you find them.
“I kind of pictured the family I wanted for my daughter. I told Haley and she sent me five profiles. All of them were good, but when I talked to my family the one I choose that lived in Draper I knew they were perfect.” — Sophia, West Valley City
The most important decision in your adoption journey is choosing the family who will raise your child. At Heart to Heart Adoptions, we believe you should have complete control over this choice.
How Many Families Can I Look At?
You can look at as many profiles as you want to. We have over 100 pre-approved families waiting, with detailed profiles that include photos of the family, their home, and pets. You will learn about their jobs, hobbies, and values. You will read their hopes and dreams for a child and get a feel for their parenting style and family traditions. New families join our program regularly, so the pool keeps growing
“I looked at maybe 20 profiles before I found ‘the one.’ The family lived in Bountiful and had two dogs, just like I always wanted growing up. I knew immediately they were right.” — Taylor, Cache Valley
How Do I Choose the Right Family?
Choosing the right family for you baby is a completely personal decision. Some birth mothers know instantly. Others take weeks. Here are some things to think about:
- –Do I want my child raised in a city or a small town?
- –What values are most important to me?
- –Do I want them to have siblings?
- –What kind of education opportunities do I want for my child?
- –Do I want them to know about their heritage?
- –How much contact do I want to have after placement?
Can I Meet the Family Before I Decide?
Yes. Many birth mothers choose to meet their top-choice family before placement. Sometimes they talk on the phone or have a video call. Often they meet in person. Some find this incredibly reassuring. Other women don’t want to meet. And that’s okay. You have to decide what feels right. And you have the right to change your mind at any point.
A Real Utah Connection: Cassie’s Story
Cassie loves the half-sun tattoo on the back of her hand. It reminds her of the baby she placed for adoption. It also reminds her daily of the mother who is raising that baby. Because the adoptive mother has a matching tattoo. The two women went together to get the bright sun, half on one hand. The other half on the other woman’s hand. This shared emblem signifies the deep and positive connection forged between these two women during the adoption process.
When Cassie discovered she was pregnant, her doctor suggested she contact Heart to Heart Adoptions. He had worked with us many times over the years and felt we could help her find the options she was looking for.
Both Cassie and her doctor knew she was not in a position to parent another child.
“I felt so much better after meeting them. They let me decide how to proceed. They let me decide on what I wanted in the hospital. And they let me, and the baby’s father, choose the adoptive family.” — Cassie
Every situation is unique. At Heart to Heart, we try to accommodate the kind of relationship you will want with one another — adoptive family and birth family. This was the right fit for both of these families. We will try very hard to find the right fit for you.
What If I Don’t Feel a Connection With Any of the Profiles?
That happens, and it is okay. Talk with your case manager about what you are looking for. Heart to Heart Adoptions works with families from across the country, which means our total pool is large. We continue adding new families and will keep looking until we find the right match for you.
What If I Don’t Feel a Connection With Any of the Profiles?
That happens, and it is okay. Talk with your case manager about what you are looking for. Heart to Heart Adoptions works with families from across the country, which means our total pool is large. We continue adding new families and will keep looking until we find the right match for you.
What Open Adoption Options Do I Have?
Open Adoption–You meet the family before birth. You can stay in touch after adoption through photos, letters, emails, or visits. Your child grows up knowing you.
Semi-Open Adoption–Limited contact through the agency. You can send letters and photos. No direct contact information shared. You can choose more openness later.
Closed Adoption–No contact with the adoptive family. All communication goes through the agency. Your identity stays private. The family’s identity stays private.
“I chose open adoption and get pictures every month. Last week I got a video of her starting to walk. She fell and rolled right up. I cried and laughed seeing her. I feel lucky.” — Brittany, Tooele County
What Open Adoption Options Do I Have?
Until placement, you are free to change your mind. We will support you through that process without judgment. Trust your instincts. We trust them too.
Learn More About Utah Adoptions
How Does Adoption Work for Birth Mothers in Utah?
Understand the full timeline from choosing a family through placement and finalization.
Click here. ➔
Utah Adoption Laws and Birth Mother Rights
Know your legal right to choose and what protections Utah law gives you throughout.
Read this story. ➔
Birth Mother Support After Adoption in Utah
Learn what ongoing support looks like after your baby goes home with the family you chose.
Read more. ➔
Utah Adoption Stories. Real Decisions, Real Families
Read real stories from Utah birth mothers who chose Heart to Heart.
Read more. ➔
Frequently Asked Questions About Utah Adoption
Explore each topic in more detail.
How many adoptive family profiles can I look at in Utah?
As many as you want. Heart to Heart has over 100 pre-approved waiting families, with detailed profiles that include photos, personal letters, and information about their home, values, and lifestyle. New families join regularly. Your case manager can help you search.
Can I meet the adoptive family before placement?
Yes. You can meet your chosen family by phone, video call, or in person before placement. Many birth mothers find this reassuring. If you prefer not to meet beforehand, that is equally valid. The choice is yours.
What if none of the family profiles feel right to me?
Talk to your case manager. Heart to Heart works with families from across the country, so the pool is large. We keep looking until we find families that match what you are looking for. You will not be pressured to choose someone who doesn’t feel right.
Can I choose an open adoption in Utah?
Yes. Open, semi-open, and closed adoption are all available in Utah. With open adoption, you and the adoptive family agree on ongoing contact — letters, photos, calls, or visits. Utah courts can enforce these agreements to protect your rights.
Do I have the legal right to choose my baby’s adoptive family in Utah?
Yes. Utah law supports your right to make this choice based on your own wishes and values. Heart to Heart and Utah’s SB154 legislation both honor and protect your right to choose the family that feels right, with no pressure and no deadline.
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Whether you're just starting to explore or ready to talk, our compassionate team is here to listen and support you—without pressure or judgment.
You don't have to do this alone.
We're here to walk beside you—every step of the way.
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