If you’re considering adoption, you may be carrying more than the question of what will happen after your baby is born. You may be wondering how you’re going to get through the pregnancy itself.
How will you pay for medical care? Where will you live? How will you afford groceries, transportation, or time away from work? If money is already tight, the thought of adding pregnancy-related expenses can make an already difficult decision feel even heavier.
Choosing adoption does not mean you have to handle every pregnancy expense on your own, however. Certain forms of financial and practical support may be available during your pregnancy.
Next Step Pregnancy Decision and Support Services offers free, confidential pregnancy services, support, and information about your options in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.
We can help you learn more about adoption and connect you with reputable adoption agencies to help you better understand the process.
You don’t have to figure out the financial side of pregnancy by yourself. Schedule an appointment today to talk with our team about the support and resources available to you.
What Financial Support May Be Available?
California law allows certain expenses to be paid on behalf of a birth mother in connection with an adoption.
Depending on your situation, adoption assistance may help with expenses such as:
- Living expenses: This may include housing, food, utilities, transportation, and other necessary costs.
- Medical expenses: Help may be available for pregnancy-related medical care and hospital expenses for you and your baby.
- Legal expenses: Adoption-related legal fees may also be covered.
- Counseling and adoption services: Counseling and other services provided as part of the adoption process may be included.
California law also makes clear that certain medical and necessary living expenses may be paid as an act of charity. These payments cannot be made on the condition that you place your child for adoption, consent to the adoption, or cooperate with the adoption process.
Placing your child for adoption does not require you to pay a fee.
You Can Shape Your Adoption Plan
There are three main types of adoption: open, semi-open, and closed. The difference largely comes down to the amount and type of contact you want with your child and the adoptive family. You have the opportunity to decide what type of relationship you want moving forward.
With an open or semi-open adoption, you may be able to maintain some level of contact with your child and the adoptive family. Depending on the agreement, this could include visits, phone calls, letters, or other forms of communication.
A closed adoption offers a different level of privacy. If you do not want ongoing contact with your child or the adoptive family, you may choose a closed adoption. Adoption records are sealed, and there is generally no ongoing communication between you and the adoptive family.
Choosing adoption is a deeply personal decision, and there is no single type of adoption that is right for everyone. At Next Step Pregnancy Decision and Support Services, we are here to help you understand your options and answer any questions you may have.
Other Resources For Pregnant Women In California
If you’re pregnant and worried about continuing your pregnancy due to financial constraints, there are many resources that can help.
California offers several programs that may provide financial and practical support:
- CalWORKs: Provides cash aid to eligible families to help with living expenses. Some pregnant individuals may qualify for CalWORKs during pregnancy, depending on their circumstances and eligibility. You can apply through BenefitsCal.
- Cal-Learn: Provides case management and financial incentives for eligible pregnant and parenting teens in the CalWORKs program to help them stay in school and graduate. Learn more through the California Department of Social Services.
- Medi-Cal for Pregnancy: Provides free or low-cost healthcare for eligible pregnant individuals, including prenatal care, labor, delivery, and postpartum care. Learn more through Covered California.
- WIC: Provides eligible pregnant individuals with benefits for healthy foods, nutrition education, and referrals to healthcare and community services. Learn more through California WIC.
We Are Here For You
You do not have to navigate an unexpected pregnancy or an adoption decision alone.
At Next Step Pregnancy Decision and Support Services, we provide confidential support, free pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and information about parenting, adoption, and abortion.
Our team is here to listen, answer your questions, and give you space to consider your next steps.
Contact us to make your appointment and get the care you deserve.