Adoption may be a choice if a woman does not want to bring up the baby herself after giving birth. Adoption is a formal process organised by adoption agencies and local authorities. Adoptions are made legal by the Courts.

When the adoption is complete you won’t look after the baby or have any legal rights or responsibilities. Adoption is not completed until after a baby is born.

If you think you may want to choose adoption it may be helpful to talk this over with:

• a doctor/nurse
• your GP
• hospital social worker
• an adoption social worker