If you're facing an unplanned pregnancy and struggling financially, you're not alone. Many women in Ohio find themselves in this exact situation—worried about how they'll afford prenatal care, rent, groceries, or the costs of raising a child. The stress can feel overwhelming, but there are real options and resources available to help you.

Choosing adoption doesn't mean you've failed. It means you're making a thoughtful, loving decision to ensure your baby has the life you want for them, even if your current circumstances make parenting feel impossible. And when you work with American Adoptions, you won't have to face the financial burden alone—we can help cover your pregnancy expenses, connect you with state assistance programs, and provide ongoing support every step of the way.

Get free information about your options and the financial support available to you in Ohio.

In this guide, we'll walk you through your options when you can't afford a baby, where to find financial help during pregnancy, how adoption financial assistance works, and how American Adoptions supports birth mothers in Ohio.

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

When you're pregnant and facing financial uncertainty, you have several paths forward. The most important thing to know is that you don't have to make this decision alone, and you don't have to let money dictate your choice.

Here are your main options:

Parenting with financial assistance: If you want to parent but need financial help, Ohio offers several programs that can provide support. Medicaid can cover your medical expenses, WIC provides nutritious food, SNAP helps with groceries, and programs like Ohio Works First (TANF) offer temporary cash assistance to families with children. These programs can ease some of the financial pressure, though they may not eliminate it entirely.

Adoption: If you feel that placing your baby for adoption is the best choice for your situation, adoption financial assistance can cover your pregnancy-related expenses—including medical bills, rent, utilities, groceries, and more. You'll also receive free counseling, legal support, and ongoing emotional support throughout your pregnancy and after placement.

Both options are valid, and neither makes you a bad person. What matters is that you make the choice that feels right for you, your baby, and your circumstances.

Where to Find Financial Help During Pregnancy in Ohio

If you're pregnant and need financial support, Ohio offers several state and federal assistance programs designed to help low-income families:

Ohio Medicaid: Medicaid provides free health coverage for prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care. Pregnant women in Ohio can qualify with household incomes up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Apply online at Ohio Benefits or call (844) 640-6446.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): WIC provides nutritious foods like milk, eggs, cereal, fruits, vegetables, and baby food. Pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 are eligible if their household income is at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. WIC also offers breastfeeding support and referrals to health services. Find a WIC clinic near you or call 1-800-755-4769.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): SNAP helps low-income families buy food. To qualify, your household's gross monthly income must be at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card that works like a debit card at grocery stores. Apply through Ohio Benefits.

Ohio Works First (OWF): OWF provides temporary cash assistance to families with children or pregnant women in their third trimester. Benefits are limited to 36 months for families with minor children. Families must have income at or below 50% of the Federal Poverty Level to qualify. Learn more and apply at Ohio Benefits.

Housing assistance: If you're struggling to afford rent, contact your local housing authority to inquire about Section 8 vouchers or emergency housing assistance programs.

These programs can provide important support, but they often have income limits, waiting lists, and time restrictions. If you're considering adoption, additional financial assistance may be available to help you through your pregnancy.

How Adoption Financial Assistance Works for Parents Considering Adoption

When you choose adoption in Ohio, you can receive financial support to cover pregnancy-related expenses. This assistance isn't payment for your baby—that would be illegal. Instead, it's support to help you stay healthy and stable during your pregnancy so you can focus on making the best decision for you and your child.

According to Ohio Revised Code § 3107.055, adoptive families can help cover the following expenses:

Medical and hospital expenses: All costs related to prenatal care, labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. If you don't have insurance, American Adoptions can help you apply for Medicaid or connect you with families whose insurance may cover your medical bills.

Living expenses: Rent, utilities, groceries, maternity clothing, and transportation costs up to $3,000. These expenses can be covered from the time of conception through 60 days after your baby's birth.

Legal fees: You won't pay anything for legal representation. All attorney fees related to the adoption will be covered.

Counseling services: You'll have access to free counseling before, during, and after placement to help you process your emotions and make an informed decision.

Agency fees: All adoption services provided by American Adoptions—including matching you with a family, coordinating your hospital plan, and providing ongoing support—are completely free for birth mothers.

These funds are not paid directly to you. Instead, they're managed by American Adoptions and distributed to cover approved expenses like your rent, medical bills, and other necessities. You'll be asked to provide receipts and proof of expenses to ensure everything is handled legally and ethically.

Do Birth Mothers Get Paid for Adoption in Ohio?

No. It's illegal in Ohio—and every other state—to receive payment in exchange for placing your baby for adoption. Doing so could be considered child trafficking and would put you, your baby, and the adoptive family at serious risk.

However, receiving financial assistance for living expenses during your pregnancy is legal and ethical. This support is designed to help you stay healthy and stable, not to compensate you for placing your child.

The distinction is important: you're not being paid for your baby. You're receiving help with the very real costs of pregnancy so you can make the best decision without financial pressure.

Does Adoption Cost Money for Birth Mothers in Ohio?

No. Adoption is completely free for birth mothers. You will never be asked to pay for any part of the adoption process when you work with a licensed adoption agency like American Adoptions.

Here's what's covered at no cost to you:

• Pregnancy-related medical expenses
• Living expenses during your pregnancy
• Counseling and emotional support
• Legal representation
• All adoption agency services

In fact, many birth mothers receive financial assistance that reduces their financial stress during pregnancy. If you're worried about affording prenatal care, rent, or groceries, adoption can actually provide stability and support during a difficult time.

Living Expenses Covered for Birth Mothers in Ohio

According to Ohio law, birth mothers can receive up to $3,000 in living expenses during pregnancy and up to 60 days after birth. These expenses are paid by the adoptive family but distributed by American Adoptions to ensure everything is handled legally and ethically.

Approved living expenses in Ohio typically include:

• Rent or mortgage payments: If your pregnancy is affecting your ability to work or afford housing, we can help cover your rent.
• Utilities: Electricity, water, gas, and internet bills can be covered if needed.
• Groceries and food: We can help ensure you have access to nutritious meals throughout your pregnancy.
• Maternity clothing: As your body changes, you may need new clothes. This expense can be covered.
• Transportation: Gas, bus passes, or rideshare costs to get to prenatal appointments and other necessities.

It's important to note that living expenses must be paid directly to service providers whenever possible—such as your landlord, utility companies, or grocery stores—rather than given to you in cash. This protects everyone involved and ensures the adoption is handled ethically and legally.

To receive living expense assistance, you'll work with your adoption specialist to submit documentation showing your financial need. A court will review and approve the expenses before funds are distributed.

How American Adoptions Supports Birth Mothers in Ohio

At American Adoptions, we understand that choosing adoption is one of the hardest decisions you'll ever make. That's why we're committed to providing comprehensive support throughout your pregnancy, during placement, and long after your baby is born.

Here's what you can expect when you work with us:            

24/7 counseling and support: You can call our adoption hotline at 1-800-ADOPTION any time, day or night. You'll speak with caring professionals who understand what you're going through and can answer your questions without judgment.

Financial assistance: We can help cover your medical bills, rent, utilities, groceries, and other pregnancy-related expenses. If you don't have insurance, we'll help you apply for Medicaid or connect you with families whose insurance can cover your medical care.

Help finding the right family: You'll have access to profiles of hundreds of approved, vetted families who are ready to provide a loving home for your baby. You choose the family that feels right to you—no one will pressure you to make a decision you're not comfortable with.

Hospital support: We'll work with you to create a birth plan that honors your wishes. Whether you want to hold your baby, spend time in the hospital with the adoptive family, or have privacy, we'll coordinate everything so you feel supported and respected.

Open adoption options: If you want to stay in touch with your baby and the adoptive family through photos, letters, visits, or other contact, we can help you find a family whose vision for openness matches yours. While open adoption agreements aren't legally enforceable in Ohio, we only work with families who are genuinely committed to honoring their promises.

Post-placement support: Our support doesn't end at placement. You'll continue to have access to counseling, and we'll be available if you need help navigating your relationship with the adoptive family. We're here for you for as long as you need us.

How to Start the Adoption Process in Ohio

If you're considering adoption, the first step is simply reaching out. There's no pressure, no obligation, and no judgment. You can explore your options, ask questions, and learn more about how American Adoptions can support you—all without making any commitments.

Here's how the process typically works:

1. Contact American Adoptions: Call us at 1-800-ADOPTION or request free information online. You'll be connected with an adoption specialist who will listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain what comes next.

2. Learn about your options: Your specialist will walk you through the adoption process, explain your rights, and help you understand what financial support is available. If you're not sure whether adoption is right for you, that's okay—we're here to help you explore all your options.

3. Review family profiles: If you decide to move forward, you'll have access to profiles of families who are hoping to adopt. You can take your time reviewing their information, and when you find a family that feels right, we'll help you connect with them.

4. Start receiving financial assistance: Once you're matched with a family and your paperwork is approved by the court, we can begin helping with your living expenses. This support can start as soon as you need it and continue through 60 days after your baby is born.

5. Create your hospital plan: As your due date approaches, we'll work with you to plan what happens at the hospital. You're in control of how much contact you want with the adoptive family, whether you want to hold your baby, and what happens after birth.

6. Receive ongoing support: After placement, you'll continue to have access to counseling and support. If you arranged an open adoption, we can help mediate communication and ensure both you and the adoptive family feel comfortable with your relationship.

You don't have to navigate this alone. From your first phone call to years after placement, American Adoptions will be there to support you every step of the way.

Talk to an Adoption Specialist Anytime – 24/7 Support

If you're pregnant and can't afford a baby, you have options. Whether you choose to parent with the help of state assistance programs or place your baby for adoption, you deserve support, compassion, and resources to help you through this challenging time.

American Adoptions is here to provide that support. Get free information today about adoption, financial assistance, and the next steps you can take. You don't have to have all the answers right now—you just need to take the first step.

You're not alone, and you don't have to do this by yourself. Let us help.

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