I'm Pregnant and Can't Afford the Baby in Indiana

Finding out you're pregnant when you're not financially ready can feel overwhelming. You're not alone, and you have options. Many women in Indiana face this same situation and find paths forward that work for them.

If you're pregnant and can't afford the baby in Indiana, you can access state financial assistance programs to help with pregnancy costs. You can also receive adoption financial assistance through a licensed adoption agency like American Adoptions, which covers living expenses, medical bills, and more during your pregnancy and even after delivery.

Get the support you deserve — fill out our contact form to speak with an adoption specialist about your options.

You don't have to figure this out alone. Whether you're exploring state assistance, considering adoption, or both, there are people ready to help you navigate this decision with compassion and without judgment.

Where to Find Financial Help During Pregnancy in Indiana

Indiana offers several state programs that can provide financial support during your pregnancy:

Medicaid (Hoosier Healthwise): Covers prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care for pregnant women who meet income guidelines. Pregnant women in Indiana can qualify with household income up to 208% of the federal poverty level, which is significantly higher than the 138% limit for other adults.

Indiana also extends postpartum Medicaid coverage for a full year after delivery, giving new mothers continued access to healthcare. You can apply online at fssabenefits.in.gov.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): Provides nutritious food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support for pregnant and postpartum women. Indiana WIC serves families at or below 185% of the federal poverty level and provides monthly benefits that include healthy foods like milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

You can apply at your local Indiana WIC office or through participating healthcare providers.

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families): Offers cash assistance to families with children who need temporary financial support. Indiana TANF primarily serves families with children under 18, and currently pregnant women without other children do not qualify for TANF benefits before the baby is born.

However, once your baby is born, you may be eligible for TANF if you meet income and other requirements.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Helps eligible Indiana residents buy food through an electronic benefits card. When you're pregnant, you count as a household of two for SNAP purposes, which means you may qualify for benefits even if you wouldn't as a household of one.

Benefits are based on your household income and expenses. Apply online at fssabenefits.in.gov.

Housing Support: Various emergency housing assistance programs exist throughout Indiana, including programs administered by community action agencies, township trustees, and nonprofit organizations.

If you're facing housing instability during pregnancy, call Indiana 211 by dialing 211 to connect with housing resources, emergency shelters, and rental assistance programs in your area. The service is free, confidential, and available 24/7.

These programs provide critical support during pregnancy, but they may not cover all your expenses or address long-term concerns about parenting. That's where adoption financial assistance offers a different kind of support — one designed specifically for women considering adoption for their babies.

How Adoption Financial Assistance Works for Parents Considering Adoption

Adoption financial assistance is different from state programs. When you work with a licensed adoption agency like American Adoptions, the adoptive family (not the agency) pays for pregnancy-related expenses that Indiana law allows. American Adoptions manages and distributes these funds to ensure everything follows legal guidelines.

Indiana law permits reasonable and necessary living expenses for birth mothers, but there are important limits. According to Indiana Code 35-46-1-9, adoption-related expenses must be documented and disclosed to the court supervising the adoption. Excessive or unreasonable payments are prohibited.

Your adoption specialist will explain exactly what expenses can be covered in your situation and ensure everything complies with Indiana law. You'll receive support based on your genuine needs, not a predetermined amount.

Financial assistance for adoption begins once you decide to move forward with an adoption plan and continues through delivery. According to Indiana law, support can extend up to six weeks after birth, depending on your circumstances.

Do Birth Mothers Get Paid for Adoption in Indiana?

No. Birth mothers do not get paid for adoption in Indiana or anywhere in the United States.

The financial assistance you receive covers necessary living expenses and medical costs during your pregnancy, not payment for your baby. Paying someone to place a child for adoption is illegal under both federal and Indiana state law.

If anyone promises to pay you for your baby, that's a serious red flag. Legitimate adoption agencies like American Adoptions follow strict legal and ethical guidelines. The support you receive helps you stay healthy and stable during this challenging time, allowing you to focus on making the best decision for yourself and your child.

Does Adoption Cost Money For Birth Mothers in Indiana?

No. Adoption services are completely free for birth mothers at American Adoptions. The adoptive family covers all adoption-related costs, including agency fees, legal expenses, and birth mother living expenses. You have no financial obligation whatsoever.

You will not pay anything for:

Working with an adoption agency
Speaking with an adoption specialist
Counseling services (before, during, and after placement)
Finding and choosing an adoptive family
Legal representation in the adoption process
Hospital coordination and support during delivery
Post-placement support and contact arrangements

Living Expenses Covered for Birth Mothers in Indiana

Indiana law allows adoptive families to pay certain reasonable and necessary living expenses for birth mothers. According to Indiana Code 35-46-1-9, these expenses must be pregnancy-related and disclosed to the court during the adoption process.

Birth mother financial assistance in Indiana can include:

Medical Expenses: Prenatal care, hospital delivery costs, and postpartum care not covered by insurance or Medicaid.
Living Expenses: Rent, utilities, phone service, groceries, maternity clothing, and transportation during the second or third trimester of pregnancy and up to six weeks after childbirth.
Legal Fees: Attorney representation for the birth mother in the adoption process.
Counseling: Professional counseling services before and after placement.

According to Indiana law, there's typically a $4,000 limit on living expenses like rent, utilities, and maternity clothing. If you need more support than this, the court can approve additional payments. Everything must be documented and shared with the court to make sure all financial arrangements are legal and appropriate.

How American Adoptions Supports Birth Mothers in Indiana

American Adoptions is a national adoption agency with deep experience supporting women throughout Indiana. We understand that financial concerns are just one part of your situation. You need emotional support, clear information, and people who respect your decisions.

When you work with American Adoptions in Indiana, you receive:

24/7 Support from Your Adoption Specialist: Your dedicated specialist understands what you're going through emotionally and will answer your questions anytime, day or night. Call our adoption hotline whenever you need to talk.
Free Counseling Services: Professional counseling is available before, during, and after placement. Many women find counseling essential for processing complex emotions around adoption.
Control Over Your Adoption Plan: You choose everything. You select the perfect family for your child from our waiting families. You decide what type of relationship you want after placement — open adoption, semi-open, or closed adoption.
Hospital Support: Your adoption specialist will be with you during delivery if you want them there. We coordinate with hospital staff to ensure your wishes are respected and your hospital plan is followed.
Financial Assistance: We handle all birth mother living expenses permitted under Indiana law, ensuring you have stable housing, food, and medical care during pregnancy.
Legal Representation: You'll have your own attorney who represents only your interests throughout the legal process.
Post-Placement Support: Adoption doesn't end at placement. We provide ongoing support and facilitate contact with your child's adoptive family according to your wishes.

Women who choose American Adoptions consistently share that they felt supported, respected, and empowered throughout their journey. You can read their stories and see how adoption changed their lives and the lives of the families they helped create.

How to Start the Adoption Process in Indiana

If you're considering adoption, you don't need to have everything figured out. Taking the first step simply means gathering information and talking to someone who understands.

Fill out our free online contact form or call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with an adoption specialist. This conversation is confidential and free. Ask any questions you have, share your concerns, and learn about how adoption could work for you.

Your specialist will explain how the adoption process works in Indiana, what financial assistance you can receive, and what options you have for ongoing contact with your child. There's no pressure — you're simply exploring whether adoption feels right for you.

When you're ready, you can browse profiles of waiting families. You'll see photos, read letters they've written to you, and learn about their lives, values, and why they want to adopt. You choose the family that feels perfect for your child.

Work with your adoption specialist to design an adoption plan that matches your wishes. Decide what type of relationship you want with your child's family after placement. American Adoptions supports open adoption arrangements where you can maintain contact, receive photos and updates, and even visit if everyone agrees.

Once you have an adoption plan, financial assistance begins. American Adoptions coordinates your medical care, ensures your living expenses are covered, and provides emotional support throughout your pregnancy.

When you deliver, your adoption specialist can be there with you. You decide how much time you want with your baby at the hospital and when placement occurs. Some women place their babies immediately; others take a few days. Your wishes guide the process.

In Indiana, you’ll work with your own attorney who represents your interests throughout the legal process.

You can maintain contact with your child’s family through open adoption. Many birth mothers exchange photos, letters, and visits with adoptive families. You decide what level of contact feels right for you.

Talk to an Adoption Specialist Anytime – 24/7 Support

You don't have to face this alone. Whether you're certain about adoption or just beginning to consider it, talking to someone who understands can help.

American Adoptions provides 24/7 support because we know questions and concerns don't wait for business hours. You can reach out anytime to:

Learn about financial assistance available to you in Indiana
Ask questions about the adoption process
Discuss your fears and concerns without judgment
Explore what type of contact you could have with your child after adoption
Get support during a particularly difficult moment

Fill out our contact form today to schedule a time to speak with an Indiana adoption specialist.

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