Can I Still Get an Abortion in Florida?
September 9, 2022
How Old Can a Child be to Place Them for Adoption?
October 11, 2022
Choosing whether to become a parent is a monumental decision. While many women have time to deliberate the question, others unexpectedly find themselves pregnant and must immediately determine what course of action to take. The issue is further complicated for women in Alabama and many other states due to the recent Supreme Court ruling altering abortion rights. If you are dealing with an unexcepted pregnancy in Alabama, it is prudent to speak with a knowledgeable attorney with Gulf Coast Adoptions promptly.
Can I still get an abortion in Alabama?
As of June 2022, the Alabama Human Life Protection Act bars all abortions with no exceptions for rape or incest unless an abortion is deemed medically necessary to avoid a serious health risk to the pregnant woman. In other words, most abortions are illegal, regardless of whether they are performed via medication, an instrument, or other means.
How did the Law change?
For decades, the United States Supreme Court’s 1973 ruling in Roe v. Wade protected women’s right to obtain first-trimester abortions. In 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade with its ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which essentially dictated that it is within the states’ authority to regulate abortion access. The Human Life Protection Act was enacted in 2019 but was under an injunction until June 24, 2022, when the injunction was lifted by a federal court. Prior to that time, women could obtain abortions up to 20 weeks of gestation unless the mother’s life was in danger, in which case they could obtain abortions after the fetus was viable.
What are my options other than abortion?
Alabama women who are either unable to obtain an abortion or choose not to have other options. First, they may decide to raise and parent the child themselves. Second, they may choose to place the child for adoption. If they elect adoption, they must then choose what type of adoption best suits their goals. Private adoption allows birth mothers to choose who adopts their children. The expectant mother can establish a relationship with the adoptive parents prior to placing the child for adoption. The expectant mother can build a relationship through the pregnancy and continue that post placement. Expectant mothers are provided financial assistance throughout their pregnancy. This can include assistance with rent, utilities, maternity clothing, food, medical care, and counseling. In an identified adoption, similar to a private adoption, the birth mother chooses the adoptive parents directly, but the parties go through an attorney to complete the adoption. Lastly, in a relative adoption, a person or couple related to the birth mother or father legally adopts the child. Regardless of the type of adoption plan selected by an expectant mother, she should consult an attorney such as Gulf Coast Adoptions to ensure the adoption is completed properly.
Contact a Capable Gulf Coast Adoption Lawyer
Alabama women facing unplanned pregnancies typically wonder what their rights are, especially in light of recent changes in the law. If you are interested in learning more about adoption and alternative options in Alabama, you should consider contacting an attorney as soon as possible. Clay H. Whittaker of Gulf Coast Adoptions is an experienced adoption lawyer who can inform you of your options and help you make a decision that is best for you in consideration of your current circumstances. We handle adoptions throughout the states of Alabama and Florida. You can contact Attorney Whittaker through our calling or texting 850-999-7977 to set up a confidential and free consultation. Gulf Coast Adoptions is open 24/7 to pregnant women considering adoption for their child.
