New mother state of mind and body.?

Question

Can a mother relinquish her child reguardless of her state of mind or physical condition? Are women ever denied the opportunity to sign the papers because of her condition?

I remember what state I was in 3 days after giving birth, I needed blood and I couldn't even sign for consent, but if I were intending to place my child would I have been allowed to sign for that?

So, Is 72 hours long enough? If not, when? If so, should women get approval fro the doctor stating that they have been evaluated and of sound mind?

Sorry for all the Q's.

Answer 1

I remember the actual signing, my boyfriend and I sitting across from a man at the agency, saying maybe we should keep our baby aand the man saying, you will have to pay back the hospital and for all the doctors appts. I don't remember how long it was between giving birth and signing papers. I remember giving birth, I had a pink robe and I was wheeled to the surgical ward. I couldn't see her, they wouldn't let me, said it was for the best. Between giving birth and signing papers, I have no idea the time span. Life became a blur.

Answer 2

Although I've not relinquished a child, I have heard from women who had those papers placed in front of them right after giving birth.  Some of them were still under the influence of drugs they were given.  Some were blindfolded through the whole delivery and then expected to sign after going through that.  

So, in light of all of that, I don't know that they would deny anyone the opportunity to sign the papers.

Answer 3

I was taken to the court house to sign TPR 3 days after my son was born, (1984).

I had lost a lot of blood (noted on hospital records) and I wasn't allowed to walk out of the hospital - had to be wheel-chaired out. But somehow that attorney got me to the courthouse - she was on a mission!

It is not appropriate that women are placed in this situation, and that is one of the things that I desperately want to see change in adoption. Women need much more time after giving birth to come to a decision as to what is best for her child and herself. They deserve to have a safe and supportive environment in which to be together for several months before a mother makes a decision that will separate them for a lifetime.

And yes, I have heard of women who have been expected to sign within hours of delivery. Adoption as it is today, is still an abusive system.

Answer 4

It is impossible for an agency worker or social worker to know the true mental state of the bmom.  I would think it would be in everybody's best interest for the bmom to have someone act as her power of attorney regarding the signing of the papers just like people do when they require medical treatment and can't vouch for themselves.  .  If it is someone she knows well, then they should be able to vouch that this is not the best time for her to make that decision.   Do any states have such a clause?

Answer 5

My first reaction would be that there's no way the consent to adopt would be valid if the birthmother was unable to give consent, due to her medical condition, at the time.  Reading some of the responses, I'm amazed that such a thing would happen.

Answer 6

In 1971 in the Catholic hospital my mom birthed at, they drugged her AFTER I was out (she had a short transition and delivery) THEN they had her sign papers when she was out of her mind doped up.

I doubt times have changed much. Mine was a private adoption where her gyn and the lawyer were friends my ap's paid $10 K for me. Think the doc got a little sumpin' for his referal?