42-2-501. Timing of proceedings to terminate. (1) In order to provide notice to a putative father at the earliest possible time of an expectant mother's intent to release an expected child for adoption and in order to facilitate early placement of a child for adoption, an expectant mother may initiate proceedings to terminate paternal rights by filing a petition of intent to place a child for adoption prior to the birth of the child.

(2) A petition to terminate parental rights may also be filed after a child is born.