How Texas House Bill 4730 Could Harm Ethical Adoption
This proposed legislation could unintentionally create more challenges for birth parents, adoptive families, and children in Texas.
Because HB 4730 would extend the legal waiting period to seven days before a birth parent can sign a Relinquishment of Parental Rights, it could introduce significant emotional, legal, and logistical challenges for everyone involved.
At American Adoptions, we support thoughtful adoption laws that protect birth parents and create stable futures for children. That’s why we want to share our concerns about this bill and invite you to reach out to your local representatives and voice your concerns.
Key Takeaways:
- Texas House Bill 4730 could result in ethical, emotional, legal and financial harm.
- Texas will become a less adoption-friendly state if it is passed.
- There’s little time to act – the current legislative session ends on June 2.
- You can reach out to your local representative to voice concern.
Understanding HB 4730
Currently, Texas law allows birth parents to sign legal consent 48 hours after birth. HB 4730 proposes extending that waiting period to seven days.
This change may seem small on paper, but for birth parents recovering from delivery, for adoptive families navigating uncertainty, and for professionals supporting both, the impact could be significant.
Why the 48-Hour Waiting Period Matters
In our experience, the current 48-hour window provides a balance of rest, recovery, and support. It typically coincides with hospital discharge, allowing the birth parent to make this decision with privacy, dignity, and professional guidance.
Increasing that window to seven days may create unintended consequences:
- Delayed legal clarity
- More emotional stress
- Greater logistical challenges for everyone involved
We believe the solution isn’t more time — it’s better support.
How Texas Waiting Periods Compare to Other States
Texas’s current law reflects a thoughtful balance seen in many other states. Here’s how it aligns nationally:
|
State |
Waiting Period |
|---|---|
|
Texas (Current) |
48 hours |
|
Texas (Proposed) |
7 days |
|
Arkansas |
No waiting period |
|
Louisiana |
3 days |
|
New Mexico |
48 hours |
|
Oklahoma |
No waiting period |
|
National Average |
72 hours |
|
Longest (Rhode Island) |
15 days |
A 7-day delay would place Texas among the most restrictive in the nation. This is a notable shift from its current, balanced approach.
How This Could Harm Children, Birth Parents and Adoptive Families
This proposed legislation, while well-intentioned, could result in significant harm to ethical adoptions in Texas and make Texas a less adoption-friendly state.
Here’s how:
Prolonged Uncertainty for Everyone
Without signed consent, families caring for a child would have no legal rights, creating seven days of emotional and legal limbo.
Legal Confusion and Delays
Following up with a birth parent days after hospital discharge isn’t always possible, complicating communication and decision-making.
Increased Travel Burdens
Out-of-state families may face longer stays due to ICPC delays, adding emotional strain and financial costs.
Temporary State Custody
In some cases, a newborn may enter temporary care. This is not because of safety concerns, but due to legal delays.
More Red Tape, Not Better Outcomes
This bill adds requirements for agencies without addressing the real needs of birth parents: support, clarity, and compassionate care.
What We Believe Birth Parents Deserve
We share the intent behind this bill: that no one should feel rushed, pressured, or uninformed when making an adoption decision.
That’s why we believe in:
- Trauma-informed counseling throughout the process
- Independent legal advice before signing
- A timeline that supports recovery and minimizes disruptions for the child
We can care for birth parents without creating more complications for everyone else.
If You Share These Concerns, Here’s How to Help
The Texas legislative session ends June 2, so time is limited to share your thoughts.
Here’s how to make your voice heard:
- Find your local representative: Who Represents Me?
- Reach out with compassion: Let them know you’re concerned about HB 4730 and what it could mean for birth parents and children.
- Use and share this resource: If this issue matters to you, please pass along this page to others in your community.
Supporting Ethical, Compassionate Adoption
Texas has long been a place where birth parents, adoptive families, and children are supported through thoughtful, ethical adoption laws.
We’re hopeful that lawmakers will take a closer look at how this bill might unintentionally affect that progress.
At American Adoptions, we’re committed to supporting everyone in the adoption journey. We welcome thoughtful conversations and encourage solutions that center compassion, clarity, and care.
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