What not to say to your patients considering adoption + free CEUs
ADOPTION INSIGHTS
A monthly resource for social work & health care professionals
VOL. 24 | FEBRUARY 2026
FEATURED ARTICLE
What Not to Say to an Expectant Mom Considering Adoption
As a social work or health care professional caring for expectant moms, you will often walk alongside her as she makes decisions for her baby’s future. Your role allows you to offer information, support, and space for reflection, but it’s important to avoid steering someone toward or away from a particular decision. Even well-meaning comments like these can unintentionally tip the scales.
❌ “I could never give up my baby.”
❌ “You’re so brave/selfless/strong.”
❌“You don’t have to do this.”
❌“You’re doing the right thing.”
❌“At least you’ll still get to see your baby.”
❌“Who’s the father? Does he know?”
❌“You’re so young. You’ll have more kids later.”
Learn why these phrases can be problematic—and what you can say instead.
Free CEU Webinar: Understanding Infant Adoption in Texas
Our Adoption 101 webinar returns next month. Whether you've never attended or need a refresher, we'd love to see you there!
Join adoption professional Rory Hall online as she shares an overview on infant adoption in Texas. This training, designed specifically for social work and health care professionals, will enable you to answer common questions about adoption and direct patients to appropriate resources.
During this training, you will learn about:
Current adoption practices, including what open adoption means
Adoption laws in Texas
Expectant parents’ rights and responsibilities
Non-directive counseling techniques
The role of adoption agencies
EVENT DETAILS
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
12:00-1:00 p.m.
Online
Cost: Free
This webinar offers one CEU for social work professionals.
The legal period during which a birth parent can change their mind and withdraw consent to an adoption, as defined by state law and type of adoption.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
What is the revocation period for an adoption in Texas?
For women making an adoption plan in Texas, it's important to understand the revocation period and what it means. It's also important to note that no decisions are legally binding until relinquishment paperwork, which cannot happen until at least 48 hours post-delivery. If a birth parent places their child through a licensed adoption agency (like Adoption Advocates), the relinquishment is permanent and irrevocable once signed and notarized. There is no revocation period for agency adoptions in Texas. However, when an adoption is arranged through a private attorney, there is a 10-day revocation period after relinquishment, during which a birth mother can legally change her mind. We believe every birth parent deserves to understand the legal process and ramifications before making a decision. We take time with every client to explain her rights and her options. We also offer expectant parents separate legal counsel - at no cost - before any paperwork signed to ensure that they are fully informed.
WHO'S ADOPTING
Ed & Jordan
Austin, TX
"For us, parenting is about creating a warm and nurturing environment where our children will feel cherished and supported. Being a multiracial family, we want to instill pride in self, empathy towards others and respecting all the differences that makes each person special."
Beyond Good Intentions: Reshaping Private Domestic Adoption Practices
Through education, advocacy, and transparency, AdoptChange is working toward a future where every adoption story represents informed and child-centered decisions.
