If you're thinking, "I'm pregnant and can't afford the baby", you're not alone. Many women in Tennessee face financial uncertainty during pregnancy, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed. The good news is that you have options, and support is available.

Whether you're worried about medical bills, rent, or how you'll provide for a baby long-term, there are resources that can help. We're here to walk you through your options with compassion and without judgment.

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

When you're facing financial challenges during pregnancy, you have two main paths forward: seeking financial assistance to help you parent, or considering adoption.

Financial Assistance for Parenting: If you want to parent your baby but need financial help, Tennessee offers several programs that provide medical coverage, food assistance, cash support, and housing resources.

Adoption: If you're concerned that you can't provide the stable, long-term life you want for your baby, adoption allows you to choose a loving family who can provide that security. Through adoption, your medical bills, rent, groceries, and other pregnancy expenses can be covered, and you can maintain a relationship with your child through open adoption.

Both options are valid. The right choice depends on your individual situation and what feels best for you and your baby.

Where to Find Financial Help During Pregnancy in Tennessee

If you want to parent your baby, Tennessee offers several government programs:

• TennCare (Medicaid): Provides free or low-cost health coverage for pregnant women, including prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care. Apply through tenncareconnect.tn.gov or call 855-259-0701.
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): Offers nutrition assistance, healthy food, breastfeeding support, and nutrition education. Call 1-800-342-5942 or visit tn.gov/health/wic.
• TANF (Families First): Provides temporary cash assistance for basic needs like rent, utilities, and clothing. Apply through jobs4tn.gov.
• SNAP (Food Stamps): Helps with grocery costs. Apply online at tenncareconnect.tn.gov or call 1-866-311-4287.
• Housing Assistance: Contact your local Department of Human Services office or call 211 for emergency housing, rent assistance, or shelter resources.

These programs can help with immediate needs, but if you're concerned about long-term financial stability for your child, adoption may offer additional support and options.

How Adoption Financial Assistance Works for Parents Considering Adoption

If you're considering adoption, adoption financial assistance is available to help you throughout your pregnancy and after placement. When you work with American Adoptions in Tennessee, the adoptive family you choose will cover your pregnancy-related expenses:

• Medical Expenses: All pregnancy-related medical costs, including prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care, even if you don't have insurance.
• Rent and Housing: Help with your monthly rent or mortgage payments.
• Groceries and Food: Assistance with grocery costs and nutritious food during pregnancy.
• Utilities: Help paying for electricity, water, gas, and phone service.
• Maternity Clothing: Assistance with maternity clothes and other pregnancy essentials.
• Transportation: Help with gas, car payments, or public transportation costs to get to doctor appointments and counseling.
• Legal Fees: All adoption-related legal fees are covered. You'll have your own independent attorney at no cost to you.
• Counseling: Free professional counseling services throughout your pregnancy, during placement, and for as long as you need support afterward.

All of this adoption financial assistance is handled through our agency. The adoptive family never pays you directly. We ensure all expenses meet Tennessee legal requirements.

Do Birth Mothers Get Paid for Adoption in Tennessee?

No. It's illegal to be paid for placing a baby for adoption anywhere in the United States. Adoption financial assistance is not payment for your baby. Instead, it's support to help cover your legitimate pregnancy-related living expenses and medical costs.

The assistance you receive ensures that you and your baby are healthy and that you can focus on your adoption plan without financial worry.

Does Adoption Cost Money for Birth Mothers in Tennessee?

No. Adoption is completely free for birth mothers. You won't pay anything for:

• Adoption counseling and support
• Help choosing an adoptive family
• Hospital coordination and birth plan support
• Independent legal representation
• Post-adoption counseling and support

All adoption costs are covered by the adoptive family.

Living Expenses Covered for Birth Mothers in Tennessee

Tennessee law allows adoptive families to provide birth mother living expenses to help you during pregnancy and after placement. Tennessee law permits reasonable living expenses including housing, food, maternity clothing, utilities, and transportation for up to 90 days before your baby's birth and 45 days after placement.

All expenses must be reasonable, pregnancy-related, and approved by the court. Our agency handles all financial arrangements to ensure everything is done legally. Learn more about birth mother living and medical expenses.

How American Adoptions Supports Birth Mothers in Tennessee

When you work with American Adoptions in Tennessee, you receive comprehensive support:

• 24/7 Free Counseling: Licensed professionals are available around the clock to provide emotional support and answer questions.
• Financial Assistance: We coordinate all pregnancy-related expenses with the adoptive family, including rent, groceries, medical bills, and transportation.
• Help Finding an Adoptive Family: You'll browse profiles of pre-screened, loving families and choose the one that feels right.
• Hospital Plan: We work with you to create a detailed birth plan that honors your wishes for labor, delivery, and time with your baby.
• Post-Adoption Contact: Through open adoption, you can maintain a relationship with your child and their family.
• Ongoing Support: We provide free counseling and support for as long as you need it, even years after placement.

How to Start the Adoption Process in Tennessee

If you're considering adoption, here are the next steps for birth mothers:

1. Contact an Adoption Specialist: Call us at 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our confidential online form. There's no pressure and no cost.

2. Start Receiving Support: Once you decide to move forward, you'll be matched with an adoption specialist who will provide free counseling and begin coordinating adoption financial assistance for your rent, bills, and medical expenses.

3. Choose an Adoptive Family: You'll review profiles of pre-screened families and select the one that matches your hopes for your baby's future.

4. Create Your Birth Plan: We'll work with you to plan how you want labor, delivery, and hospital stay to go.

5. Receive Ongoing Support: After placement, we continue providing free counseling and support to you for as long as you need.

Even if you don't have insurance, adoption can be an option. Learn more about adoption when you have no insurance.

Talk to an Adoption Specialist Anytime – 24/7 Support

If you're thinking, "I'm pregnant and can't afford the baby," and want to learn about your options, we're here to help. Our Tennessee adoption specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide free, confidential support.

Whether you're just exploring your options or you're ready to start the adoption process, we'll walk with you every step of the way. You'll never be pressured, judged, or rushed.

Call us at 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our confidential contact form to speak with a compassionate specialist today.

You don't have to face this alone. Help is available, and a brighter future is possible for both you and your baby.

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