“Can I get money for adopting out my baby?”

by | Mar 8, 2019 | Birth Parent Blog

money for adoption plan“Can you get paid for adoption?”
“Do birth mothers get paid for adoption?”
“Can I get money for adopting out my baby?”

These are some questions about cost commonly asked by women considering adoption. The answer to all of them is “no.” Women don’t get paid for making an adoption plan. It’s illegal to trade a child for money.

However, you might be able to get help from the adoptive parents with the expenses during your pregnancy if it’s allowable in your state. So, instead of receiving compensation for placing a child, a birth mother can receive financial assistance if her state laws allow.

“How Much Does It Cost to Adopt Out My Baby?”

There is no cost to you for choosing adoption. Couples seeking to adopt a baby are responsible for paying adoption expenses and might even be able to provide you with financial assistance if allowable in your state. 

“Is There Financial Help for Adoption?”

Having a baby is expensive! An unplanned pregnancy brings the surprise of a baby but also a financial strain. A pregnant woman needs to improve her eating habits, get clothing that fits her expanding belly, pay for medical bills, and purchase specific pregnancy items like a belly support band or a pregnancy pillow. On top of that, she may end up missing a few days of work due to issues like morning sickness.

An adoptive family can typically pay for the extra expenses that a mother faces when she chooses adoption. Keep in mind that allowable living expenses differ based on your state’s laws. Here are some of the costs that you might be able to get help with:

Medical Expenses
It’s so important to keep up with regular prenatal visits during your pregnancy. Women with high-risk pregnancies require additional visits, extra care, and even prescription medication. Whatever the medical costs during the pregnancy might be, an adoptive family could cover those. 

money-for-baby2Rent & Living Expenses
A birth mother facing an unplanned pregnancy might notice that because she’s had to call in sick to work, she’s unable to pay for her rent. If she is unable to afford this living expense, in most states the adoptive family she chooses can cover it. Other living expenses that could be paid for include utilities, cell phone bill, and transportation.

Food
Keeping a healthy, well-balanced diet is vital for your health and your baby’s health. Many pregnant women find that they end up eating more food, too. The adoptive family can typically help out with the food expenses that the birth mother faces during her pregnancy to maintain the health of her baby. 

Counseling
Getting therapy during the adoption process is the best option for the mental health of a birth mother. The sooner you begin the process of healing, the better off you’ll be in the long run. At Lifetime, you can speak with both a licensed therapist and a peer counselor. The peer counselor is a woman who’s made an adoption plan for her child in the past. Since she’s been in your shoes, she can give you helpful tips throughout the process. The adoptive family can pay for counseling services throughout the process of adoption and pregnancy.

Legal Expenses
When it comes to adoption, legal fees are unavoidable. And different situations may significantly raise these fees. However, you will not need to pay any adoption lawyers. The adoptive family you choose will be responsible for paying these legal fees.

State Laws on Adoption Expenses

Each state has differing laws on what expenses can be paid for or reimbursed by an adoptive family. Your legal representation will know in more detail what financial assistance options are available to you during your pregnancy and the adoption process.

No matter your situation, an adoption lawyer can help you understand what expenses the adoptive family can pay for to ease your financial burden.

Do you have questions about adoption? Call Lifetime for answers!
We’re available 24/7 by text or phone call at 1-800-923-6784.

Heather Featherston

Written by Heather Featherston

As Vice President of Lifetime Adoption, Heather Featherston holds an MBA and is passionate about working with those facing adoption, pregnancy, and parenting issues. Heather has conducted training for birth parent advocates, spoken to professional groups, and has appeared on television and radio to discuss the multiple aspects of adoption. She has provided one-on-one support to women and hopeful adoptive parents working through adoption decisions.

Since 2002, she has been helping pregnant women and others in crisis to learn more about adoption. Heather also trains and speaks nationwide to pregnancy clinics to effectively meet the needs of women who want to explore adoption for their child. Today, she continues to address the concerns women have about adoption and supports the needs of women who choose adoption for their child.

As a published author of the book Called to Adoption, Featherston loves to see God’s hand at work every day as she helps children and families come together through adoption.

Read more about Heather Featherston

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