How is the Coronavirus going to impact my Adoption?

We are all well aware of COVID-19, better known as the coronavirus, and it’s rise in the U.S. As cancellations, closures, and potential travel restrictions continue to grow, we know you are worried about how this might impact your adoption journey. No matter where you are in the adoption process, we are committed to a supportive adoption experience.

We will do our best to update you with new information as it is available. As our adoptive families, birth parents, staff, friends and families encounter issues, we will provide solutions. In the meantime, if you have any questions that we have not yet addressed, please contact your adoption specialist for assistance.

Please note that we are not medical professionals, and nothing in this article should be considered medical advice. Please consult your doctor with specific medical concerns, and continue to monitor the coronavirus situation at the World Health Organization (WHO).

How could the coronavirus impact my ability to travel for an adoption placement?

There are currently no restrictions on travel within the United States. However, due to heightened concerns surrounding the coronavirus, be aware that it may be more difficult to obtain medical clearance from a doctor allowing you to fly home with your newborn. Because of this, families may need to be prepared to drive home with their baby following placement.

Again, we are not medical professionals, so you should consult with your doctor and coordinate directly with the airline to determine what their policies are regarding flight with a newborn infant during the coronavirus outbreak, as well as their policies on flight cancellations and refunds, if necessary.

If travel restrictions are imposed in your area or the area where your baby is born, or if you are unable to travel due to quarantine or medical fragility, please let your adoption specialist know as soon as possible.

What if the adoptive family member is sick or has symptoms of the coronavirus?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising: If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. They are urging people who have symptoms of a respiratory illness to stay home to prevent the potential spread of the illness. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately to determine next steps for receiving care.

If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you may be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, please let your adoption specialist know as soon as possible. You may need to take additional precautions while traveling (wearing a mask, for example) or, if you are quarantined, your family may need to be placed temporarily inactive until a doctor determines you are no longer sick and you can safely travel without spreading the illness.

What if the birth mother is sick or has symptoms of the coronavirus?

While there are no published scientific reports on this subject, the CDC states that pregnant women may be more susceptible to viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19. If you are an expectant women or prospective birth parent experiencing coronavirus symptoms, please seek immediate medical care to ensure you  and the unborn baby are healthy.

Whether a pregnant woman can transmit the coronavirus to her baby is still unclear, according to the CDC. However, experts have said there appears to be no evidence that the virus is passed on during pregnancy.

If a prospective birth mother notifies her adoption specialist that she has contracted coronavirus, the adoptive family she has chosen will be notified as soon as Adoption Choices is made aware.

How could the coronavirus impact adoptive family and birth parents meeting?

Social distancing is currently the most effective way to avoid transferring the coronavirus from person to person.

Adoption Choices may arrange for adoptive family and birth parent meetings to take place virtually such as FaceTime. Alternatively, meetings might be postponed. Our goal is to minimize adoption disruption so we will do what we can to accommodate everyone in a healthy, safe environment.

How could the coronavirus impact our hospital experience?

So far, this pandemic has not impacted the hospital stay for most adoptive families and prospective birth mothers. However, this is a rapidly developing situation, and hospital policies could change and will likely vary greatly from one hospital to the next. As the situation progresses, it is likely that hospitals will begin imposing restrictions on hospital visitors, whether that’s a limitation on the number of visitors allowed, reduced visiting times, or restrictions on visitors in certain parts of the hospital. Adoption Choices will not be aware of these policies until families are faced with them in each hospital. We will continue to work closely with hospitals and communicate any changes to a prospective birth mother’s delivery plan to the adoptive family.

How could coronavirus impact ICPC or court processes?

Adoptive families who are awaiting ICPC clearance or court proceedings may experience delays in these processes, as some government offices may be impacted. Call your local office for specific hours, closures, or delays

How could coronavirus impact post-placement?

Adoption Choices might postpone, change, or delay in home visits, one-on-one post-placement counseling sessions, and group training for adoptive families and birth parents. Again, safety for health is our number one concern through this trying time.

We understand the fears this outbreak has triggered for everyone. We appreciate your patience and understanding as things continue to develop, and we are always available to answer any additional questions you may have! Ultimately, please follow the guidelines of the CDC to protect yourself and reduce the spread of the virus. If you have a specific questions regarding your adoption and coronavirus, message us at https://www.adoptionchoicesofkansasmissouri.com/contact-us/ or call or text us at 1-877-903-4488