How to Afford an Unplanned Pregnancy 

If you find yourself confronting an unplanned pregnancy, your first instinct might be to panic. To ask yourself: How will I afford adoption when I haven’t prepared? Despite the worry and fear, you should know that affording adoption is something you can do. There are plenty of people — including our staff at Adoption Choices of New York — who will do anything in their power to relieve financial stress during your pregnancy. The goal is for you to focus on keeping yourself and your baby healthy during this time. 

With Adoption Choices of New York, we can show you how to afford an unplanned pregnancy — and why you shouldn’t worry. In fact, choosing adoption with us costs you, as the birth mother, nothing. You will receive financial support during your pregnancy and after the adoption placement. 

Do I get paid for my pregnancy?

No, you don’t get paid for your pregnancy. But there’s no cost to place your baby for adoption at our agency, either. You can also receive financial support during your pregnancy if you meet the eligibility requirements. 

You may be eligible for qualified birth mother expenses, which are court-approved funds, provided to you by the adoptive family. These funds will meet your specific needs during, and shortly after, your pregnancy. Qualified birth mother expenses are part of the total cost of adoption for the adoptive family.

Your livelihood and wellbeing is an incredibly important factor in your adoption journey. The number of expenses that are covered will vary according to your needs. For example, any medical expenses not covered by your insurance may be covered by the adoptive family.

As the birth mother, you receive this money because you are making a brave, loving decision to place your baby with an adoptive family. You are giving an amazing, lifelong gift to a family — a gift of pure love.

What exactly can birth mother expenses cover?

 To help relieve any burden or stress from you during this time, we and the adoptive family will do everything we can to provide you with a stress-free pregnancy. 

Whatever qualified birth mother expenses you receive will be based on your individual needs, as well as local laws. We don’t want you to worry about how to afford an unplanned pregnancy when you could be focusing on yourself.

Qualified birth mother expenses may include:

• Rent
• Utilities
• Maternity clothing
• Doctor’s visits
• Transportation
• Groceries
• Other bills

Any additional nutritional needs may be supported by government programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP), New York’s Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Woman, Infants and Children (WIC). Insurance may be covered by Medicaid and government insurance can cover the birth of your child as well as prenatal care.

What other financial support can I get?

Aside from qualified birth mother expenses, our agency and staff are also here to support you. We want you to have a happy, healthy and stress-free pregnancy, so we have many ways to help during this time. This way, you can focus on taking care of yourself and your baby.

What if I need housing?

If you are in need of housing during your pregnancy, it’s possible to get help while your baby grows. Housing options may be temporary as well while you get on your feet or figure out other housing options. Rent, utilities and phone bills may be included for you, depending on your needs.

How will I cover the legal fees?

At Adoption Choices of New York, we provide a free legal service to you. Our in-house legal representatives will make sure you understand your rights throughout your adoption journey. 

If you are having an unplanned pregnancy and considering adoption, you need not worry about how to afford an unplanned pregnancy. We and the adoptive family have you covered. There are also government programs, such as SNAP, that can keep you on your feet. Adoption Choices of New York, we make it our goal to see you through a happy, healthy pregnancy, despite the challenges. We are committed to working with the adoptive family to provide you with the support you need for your adoption plan.

Adoption Choices of New York is available to assist with your adoption plan. Call us, text us, email us; we are here for you!
Contact Us 24/7: 800-505-8592 (Phone) | 518-478-8420 | Click to Email

Meet the Author: Tara Giuffre has always loved reading and writing and grew up in the worlds of Narnia, Harry Potter and A Series of Unfortunate Events. Taking this passion for stories, she received a degree from Rutgers University in Journalism & Media. Besides writing, she likes long walks on the beach, spending time with her family (and her cat, Sansa), and baking the perfect loaf of bread. 

She enjoys sharing vital information about adoption and birth mothers choosing adoption to families making important choices for their future family!