From the study:
Quote:
At least 28 states specify a waiting period after the birth of a child before legal relinquishments can
be signed; only six states mandate a waiting period longer than three days. Ideally, state laws would
require a minimum of four to seven days after childbirth before allowing a woman (or man) to sign a
relinquishment. In most instances, that would allow time for the mother to leave the hospital and for
her to make a reasoned judgment after the immediate physical impact of delivery has abated.
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And:
Quote:
At least 17 states and the District of Columbia have adoption laws providing a specified number of
days after the signing of a relinquishment (ranging from three to 30 days) during which parents can
revoke their decisions without having to prove fraud or best interests of the child. A few additional
states allow revocation before court action terminating parental rights. In many other countries,
including the majority in Europe, consents for adoption do not become final for about six weeks; in
approximately half of U.S. states, irrevocable consent can be established four days after birth or less.
In reality, lengthening waiting and revocation periods requires other considerations – most notably
the care of newborns during this period and the timing of placement with adoptive parents – be
addressed. Policy-makers need to weigh the interests of all parties in deciding how long these
periods should be.
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Two topics are being confused here.
The study is calling for four to seven days before the TPR can even be signed. I would sign on with this idea in a heartbeat. Even my vicodin from my recent wisdom tooth extraction says not to make any decisions while taking it yet we allow women to sign TPR in the fallout of pain medication following labor. Interesting.
The study itself did not actually call for a 30 day waiting period AFTER TPR is signed. They stated that some states already have waiting periods from 3-30 days. They then said that the best interest of all involved needs to be considered as law makers weigh in on this topic.
Part of me wants to say 30 days would be beneficial to all involved. I understand the paranoia and bonding issues with adoptive parents. Yet, at the same time, I also know the regret that can hit in that first month for doing something that absolutely, 100% cannot be taken back.
I don't know the answer to this particular topic.