Being an undocumented and pregnant in Texas can be a scary situation – especially if you don’t feel able to raise a child. You may be considering adoption as an option, but have concerns about getting in trouble for being in the country unauthorized.

In Texas, you can safely place your baby up for adoption as an illegal immigrant. You can begin working with an adoption agency at any time and you will have all the same rights as any other expectant parent. You will be able to chose the adoptive family.

If you are considering an adoption plan but not a US citizen, here are a few things to know.

• As an adoption agency, our focus is on helping you through the adoption process, and finding a home for your child. Your immigration status is not a factor in either of these things, and we will not report you to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
• In our experience, hospitals will not contact Immigration either. Like us, they are focused on making sure you and your baby receive the medical care you need.
• You may be able to get assistance with pregnancy-related medical bills. During your pregnancy, you can apply for CHIP Perinatal, which provides limited coverage during pregnancy and two postpartum visits within 60 days of the end of the pregnancy for women who can’t get Medicaid and don’t have health insurance.
• While at the hospital for labor and delivery, a hospital social worker can help you apply for Pregnancy Medicaid. This benefit will cover the cost of labor and delivery.
• Babies born in the United States automatically become a US Citizen. He or she will be eligible to receive benefits through Texas’s CHIP program.

Adoption Advocates has helped many undocumented women with adoption, and we can help you as well. If you have questions or want to get started on your adoption plan, please call (512) 477-1122 (English) or (915) 209-1507 (Spanish).