Another way of handling an unplanned pregnancy is to choose adoption. If adoption is the option you decide on, you should begin planning and working with a reputable adoption agency while you are pregnant. Many women, unaware of how the adoption process works, believe that they simply give birth and that the hospital takes care of the adoption of the newborn. (In 2000, Colorado enacted a "Safe Haven" law designed to let a woman leave her newborn at a hospital or fire station within seventy-two hours of birth without penalty.)

Unfortunately, this situation most often places the newborn in foster care, possibly waiting many years to be adopted into a family. It is vital to the well-being of the newborn that you find an agency that will take care of all of the arrangements of placing the newborn with a family. It is also very important that you find an agency that makes you feel comfortable and respected. In addition, the adoption agency you choose to work with can help cover your medical care costs by arranging for financial assistance.

Below is a "Birth Parent Bill of Rights" that was prepared as a public service by Spence-Chapin, a nonprofit, licensed child placement agency. You may wish to discuss these issues with your chosen adoption agency.

Following the "Birth Parent Bill of Rights" is a list of Colorado adoption agencies that, when surveyed by NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado, vowed to respect your right to make the choice that is best for you (even if you do not ultimately end up choosing adoption). If you believe your right to decide is not respected by an agency, please notify us at 303-394-1973 or by email at choice@ProChoiceColorado.org.