How to Place My Baby for Adoption in Ohio
You Can Make a Plan Anytime
If you are towards the end of your pregnancy or have already given birth, you can still make an adoption plan.
We have women, usually, Michelle or Wendy, who will answer the phone. They’ll listen to your story and help you decide what the best step for you is.
They might help you find support so you can comfortably parent your child. You might decide you want to make a different parenting plan.
Mia from Cincinnati called when her baby was already two weeks old. She didn’t know what to do and was scared to ask for help. Michelle answered her call and connected her with Kathy. Together, they made a plan that gave Mia peace of mind and her baby a loving family.
How to Place Your Baby for Adoption in Ohio
Talk with a Case Manager
You’ll share your story, your hopes, and what kind of help you need. Your case manager will explain:
- How adoption works in Ohio
- What your rights are
- What expenses can be covered
- What happens next
There’s no pressure. This conversation is just to give you information so you can make the best decision for you and your baby.
Choose the Adoptive Family
You can look through family profiles and pick the one that feels right to you. These profiles include:
- Photos of the family
- Letters about why they want to adopt
- Information about their home, community, and values
- Details about the life they want to give your child
You can meet the family if you want, or keep your distance. It’s completely your choice.
Get Support Before Birth
Once you’ve decided on adoption, we’ll help with everything you need:
- Medical care (all prenatal appointments and prescriptions)
- Housing (help with rent or a place to stay)
- Food and essentials (groceries, maternity clothes, personal items)
- Transportation (rides to appointments)
- Counseling (emotional support whenever you need it)
- Legal guidance (working with an adoption attorney who explains everything in simple terms)
All of this is completely free. You won’t pay anything.
- What makes Heart to Heart Adoptions different?
- Will I be pressured to choose adoption?
- Where are the safe apartments to stay?
- Do you work with women in difficult situations?
- What kind of help is available for pregnant women?
- Can I get safe housing during pregnancy?
- What happens after I deliver my baby?
- How do I get emotional support?
- How do I find a safe family for my baby?
- Do I get to decide on the adoptive family?
- What expenses are covered during pregnancy?
- Will I get to see my baby after birth?
- What is open adoption in Ohio?
- What’s the difference between open and closed adoption?
- How does the Hearts Connect app work?
- Can I stay in touch with my child?
- How do I place my baby for adoption in Ohio?
- How do I choose the adoptive family?
- What support will I get before and after birth?
- How do I create a hospital plan?
- What are my rights as a birth mother in Ohio?
- When can I sign adoption papers in Ohio?
- What are birth father rights in Ohio?
- Can I change my mind about adoption?
Create a Hospital Plan
You decide what happens when you give birth:
- Who can visit you in the hospital
- Whether the adoptive family is present at delivery
- How much time you want alone with your baby
- What happens when it’s time to say goodbye
- Who takes the baby home from the hospital
Your case manager will write all of this down and make sure the hospital staff knows your wishes.
Sign Consent (72 Hours After Birth)
In Ohio, you cannot sign adoption consent papers until 72 hours (three days) after your baby is born. This waiting period protects you and gives you time to be sure about your decision.
When you sign consent:
- You’ll appear before a judge or have your signature notarized
- An adoption attorney will explain what you’re signing
- You’ll confirm that you understand and you’re doing this voluntarily
- Your parental rights will be permanently terminated
Important: Once the court approves your consent and the adoption is finalized, it cannot be reversed. You can only withdraw consent before finalization, and only if a judge finds it’s in the child’s best interest (this is very rare).
Your case manager and attorney will make sure you fully understand before you sign anything.
Lauren from Toledo said, “I wanted two days alone with my baby before the adoptive parents came. Ashlyn made sure the hospital knew my plan. I got to hold him, take photos, and tell him I loved him. When I was ready, I called the parents. It was hard, but it was my choice.”
Step 6: Support After Birth
Whether you choose adoption or decide to parent at the last minute, we’ll continue to support you.
If you place your baby:
- Counseling continues for as long as you need it
- Your case manager stays in touch to see how you’re doing
- You receive the contact you agreed to with the adoptive family (photos, letters, visits)
- We help you transition back to your life with resources and support
Many women tell us that having someone to talk to after placement made all the difference in their healing.
Brittany from Cleveland said, “The first few months were really hard. I cried a lot. But my counselor reminded me that grief is part of love. Kathy called me every week to check on me. And when I got the first photos of my baby smiling, I knew I made the right choice.”
What If I Change My Mind?
Before you sign consent papers, you can change your mind at any time. We’ll support you no matter what you decide—parenting or adoption.
After you sign consent (72 hours after birth), Ohio law says you can only withdraw consent if a judge determines it’s in the child’s best interest. This is very rare and difficult to do.
That’s why the 72-hour waiting period is so important. It gives you time to be absolutely sure.
If you’re having doubts, talk to your case manager and counselor. They’ll help you work through your feelings so you can make the decision that’s truly right for you.
Getting Started
If you’re wondering where to start, just call or text Michelle or Wendy. They’ll listen and help you take the next step — one small, caring step at a time.
Call 24/7: 877-437-3424
Text Anytime: 801-563-1000
You’re not alone. We’re here to walk beside you.
