I. Terminology. Commonly used terms: A. Birth mother, natural mother, biological mother. These terms are used
interchangeably and are self-explanatory.
B. Birth father, natural father, putative father, presumptive or legal father.
1. “Putative father” is not defined in the Pennsylvania Adoption Code, but is generally used to identify a man who the birth mother has identified to be the father of her child, and who has not filed a claim or acknowledgement of paternity with the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare or Bureau of Vital Records.
2. “Presumptive father” – if the birth mother is married at the time of the birth, or within one year of the birth of the child, her husband is presumed to be the father of the child. Also referred to as the “legal father”.
3. “Intermediary” is the person or agency acting between the parent or parents of the child and the proposed adoptive parents in arranging an adoption placement
