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

You're not alone. Right now, you might feel overwhelmed by the reality of pregnancy and financial uncertainty. Maybe you're staring at bills you can't pay, worried about where you'll live, or wondering how you'll cover the cost of prenatal care and delivery.

These fears are real, and they're valid.

You have options, you have support, and you don't have to face this alone. In Maryland, resources are available to help you through pregnancy, whether you choose to parent or explore adoption.

Call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with an adoption specialist about your circumstances, or fill out our free online contact form.

I'm Pregnant and Can't Afford a Baby – What Are My Options in Maryland?

When you're facing financial hardship during pregnancy, you have several paths to consider. The right choice depends on your unique circumstances, goals, and what feels best for you and your baby.

Parenting with Financial Support

Maryland offers several assistance programs to help expectant and new mothers afford pregnancy, delivery, and early parenting. These programs can provide medical coverage, nutrition assistance, cash benefits, and housing support.

Many birth mothers choose adoption for unborn babies specifically because they want their child to have opportunities and stability they can't currently provide.

When you choose adoption in Maryland, you get to choose the perfect family for your child, and all your pregnancy-related expenses are covered. You have control over every aspect of the adoption process, from selecting the adoptive family to deciding how much contact you want after placement.

Maryland Temporary Safe Haven

If you've recently given birth and feel overwhelmed, Maryland has safe haven laws that allow you to surrender your newborn safely within 10 days of birth. However, adoption through an agency like American Adoptions offers more control over your baby's future and comprehensive support throughout the process.

The financial stress you're experiencing doesn't have to dictate your decision. Understanding all your options, including the comprehensive birth mother financial assistance available through adoption, can help you make the choice that's right for you.

Where to Find Financial Help During Pregnancy in Maryland

Maryland has several state programs designed to help expectant mothers:

Maryland Medicaid (Medical Assistance): Maryland's Medicaid program provides free or low-cost health coverage for pregnant women who meet income guidelines. Medicaid covers prenatal care, delivery, postpartum care, and hospital stays.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): Maryland WIC provides nutrition assistance, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and social services. WIC benefits include vouchers for healthy foods like milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA): The TCA program provides temporary cash benefits to families with children who meet income requirements. This monthly assistance can help cover basic living expenses like rent, utilities, and clothing.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Maryland's SNAP program helps low-income individuals and families buy groceries. Pregnant women can qualify for SNAP benefits to help afford nutritious food during pregnancy.

These programs provide support if you choose to parent. However, if you're considering adoption, you'll receive even more comprehensive financial assistance that covers medical care, living expenses, counseling, and legal representation.

How Adoption Financial Assistance Works for Parents Considering Adoption

One of the biggest concerns expectant mothers have when considering adoption in Maryland is how they'll afford basic needs during pregnancy.

When you work with American Adoptions, your financial needs are covered from the moment you begin the adoption process.

The adoptive family you choose covers pregnancy-related and living expenses, but these funds are distributed through the adoption agency to ensure everything is legal, ethical, and compliant with Maryland law. You'll get personal care you deserve from your adoption specialist so that you feel safe during your journey.

Here's what birth mother expenses can include:

All prenatal care, delivery, hospital stays, and postpartum medical appointments are covered. If you don't have insurance or your insurance doesn't cover everything, the adoption process includes comprehensive medical coverage.

Reasonable costs for rent, utilities, groceries, maternity clothes, phone bills, and transportation can be covered. This support continues throughout your pregnancy and can extend into the postpartum period.

Free, confidential counseling is available before, during, and after placement. You'll have access to professional support to help you process your emotions and make the decision that's right for you.

You'll receive your own attorney, paid for through the adoption process, to protect your rights and explain Maryland's adoption laws.

This financial assistance isn't payment for your baby. It's support to help you through pregnancy and beyond. You can focus on your goals and dreams, knowing your child will have all the opportunities in the world with a wonderful family.

Do Birth Mothers Get Paid for Adoption in Maryland?

Birth mothers cannot receive payment for placing a child for adoption in Maryland. This is true across all states. Paying someone for a baby is illegal, and anyone who tells you they will pay you for your baby is a red flag.

However, "not getting paid" is very different from "not receiving financial support." Maryland law allows adoptive families to cover reasonable pregnancy-related and living expenses for birth mothers.

The financial support you receive through adoption is not compensation for your baby. It's assistance to help you maintain stability during pregnancy so you can make the best decision for yourself and your child without financial pressure.

Does Adoption Cost Money for Birth Mothers in Maryland?

Adoption is completely free for birth mothers in Maryland. American Adoptions covers all costs associated with the adoption process. You will never be asked to pay any fees for our services.

Here's what's free for you:

Initial consultations with adoption specialists
Access to adoptive family profiles
Counseling services (before, during, and after placement)
Medical and hospital expenses
Legal representation
Birth mother living expenses during pregnancy
Travel expenses related to the adoption
Postpartum support services

The adoptive family covers these costs because they understand that choosing adoption is brave and selfless. They want you to have the support you need without financial stress.

Our adoption services are free for birth mothers because we believe no woman should be prevented from considering adoption due to cost concerns.

Living Expenses Covered for Birth Mothers in Maryland

Maryland law specifically addresses which adoption-related expenses are permissible. The state recognizes that birth mothers need support during pregnancy and allows adoptive families to provide reasonable financial assistance.

What Maryland Law Permits:

Rent or mortgage payments
Utilities (electricity, gas, water)
Food and groceries
Maternity clothing
Phone service
Transportation costs
Other reasonable living expenses during pregnancy

These expenses must be reasonable, documented, and directly related to the pregnancy or adoption process. Maryland law prohibits any payment that could be construed as buying or selling a child.

When you work with American Adoptions in Maryland, all financial assistance is handled transparently and in full compliance with state law. Your adoption specialist will explain exactly what expenses can be covered and help coordinate this support throughout your pregnancy.

How American Adoptions Supports Birth Mothers in Maryland

Choosing American Adoptions means choosing comprehensive support that goes far beyond financial assistance.

You'll have round-the-clock access to compassionate professionals who understand what you're going through. Call anytime, day or night, with questions or concerns.

Professional, confidential counseling is available whenever you need it. Our counselors specialize in adoption and can help you process complex emotions and find peace with your choice.

Browse adoptive family profiles and select the family that feels right for your child. You decide what matters most—whether that's their values, lifestyle, location, or something else entirely.

Work with your adoption specialist to create a hospital plan that reflects your wishes. Decide whether you want the adoptive family at the hospital, how much time you want with your baby, and who you want in the delivery room.

Maryland allows open adoptions, which means you can maintain contact with your child and their adoptive family if you choose. You decide the level of openness, from occasional photo updates to regular visits.

The support doesn't end at placement. You'll continue to have access to counseling, resources, and your adoption specialist to help you navigate life after adoption.

From the moment you begin working with us, you'll receive the financial support you need for medical care, living expenses, and legal services.

American Adoptions customizes support to meet your specific needs. You'll get personal care you deserve from your adoption specialist so that you feel safe during your journey.

How to Start the Adoption Process in Maryland

If you're ready to explore adoption in Maryland, the process begins with a single conversation:

Step 1: Contact American Adoptions: Call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our free online contact form. An adoption specialist will answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and explain how the process works—with no pressure or judgment.

Step 2: Meet with Your Adoption Specialist: You'll be matched with a dedicated adoption specialist who will guide you through every step and become your advocate and support system.

Step 3: Browse and Choose an Adoptive Family: Review adoptive family profiles and choose the family that feels right for your child. You can read about their lives, values, homes, and dreams for a child.

Step 4: Begin Receiving Financial Assistance: Once you begin working with American Adoptions, you'll start receiving support for medical expenses, living costs, and any other needs you have during pregnancy.

Step 5: Create Your Hospital Plan: Work with your specialist to plan how you want the hospital experience to unfold. Every detail, from who's present at birth to how much time you spend with your baby, is your decision.

Step 6: Place Your Baby with Their Family: After birth, when you're ready, you'll complete the legal process to place your baby with the adoptive family. According to Maryland adoption laws, birth parents can provide consent for adoption at any point after birth. Maryland law requires a 30-day waiting period before consent becomes irrevocable.

Step 7: Maintain Contact (If You Choose): If you've arranged for an open adoption, you'll begin receiving updates and maintaining the level of contact you agreed upon with the adoptive family.

You have support, resources, and people who care about your wellbeing throughout every step. You don't have to have everything figured out before you reach out.

Talk to an Adoption Specialist Anytime – 24/7 Support

Choosing adoption isn't giving up. It's a brave, selfless act of love. You can choose a brighter future for your child while also creating space to pursue your own goals and dreams.

American Adoptions is here to support you, not to pressure you, but to provide information, resources, and compassionate care as you make this decision. Our specialists understand the benefits of adoption for birth mothers, and they also understand the grief, loss, and complex emotions that come with this choice.

Call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our contact form to speak with an adoption specialist about your circumstances. The support you need is just a conversation away.

Disclaimer
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