A lot of times women making adoption plans do not have the support of their child’s father or expectant fathers may be forgotten when it comes to planning and decision making regarding adoption, but they have rights too. In my experiences, I have seen more women make adoption plans that do not have the support of their children's fathers. However, I have seen some really awesome men support their partner as they made decisions together for their child's future.

Involved expectant fathers can share some of the weight of decision making with the expectant mother. In open adoptions, birthfathers can be involved as well and provide children with another link to their biological history. Expectant fathers have rights and responsibilities just as expectant mothers do and birthfathers who have followed through with an adoption plan also grieve a sense of loss just as birthmothers do.

I did not have support or involvement from my son’s birthdad during my pregnancy so I can not write from experience. Lately, though, a few people have mentioned to me the need to address resources and support for expectant fathers involved in making an adoption plan. Following are some links that you and your child’s father may find helpful if you are considering adoption.


General Links

Information on the National Putative Fathers Registry with info for each state

Articles for Expectant Fathers and Birthfathers

Rights and Responsibilities for Expectant Fathers and Birthfathers

Birthfather Enriches Son's Life


Stages of Birthfather Grief

A Letter from a Birthfather


Blogs that Discuss Birthfathers



Protecting First/Birthfather Rights

From a First Father's Heart

Father's Rights in Crisis Pregnancies