Do you get paid to “give up” your baby for adoption in Alaska? No, you don’t.

But that’s not the end of the story, because you can receive adoption financial assistance.

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy in Alaska and you are curious about the support that adoption agencies can provide to you when you put your baby up for adoption, you are not alone. This is a topic that is commonly misunderstood. 

Some frequently asked questions about financial support available to birth mothers are:

• Do you get paid to “give up” your baby for adoption in Alaska?
• Is putting a baby up for adoption free?
• Do adoption agencies pay birth mothers?
• Do birth mothers get money from adoption agencies?

This guide provides answers for you. Additionally, if you would like to get in touch with an expert adoption professional who can answer your more specific questions, you can click here to contact us online.

Do you Get Paid to “Give Up” Your Baby for Adoption in Alaska?

Finances are one of the most common reasons why women consider adoption. You may not be in a situation where you can support a child, and therefore you might be wondering if you get money from adoption.

While there is a lot of financial support available for you when you put your baby up for adoption, it is illegal to offer any compensation for this act of generosity. Not only can birth mothers and agencies not pay you for “giving your baby up” for adoption in Alaska, but it could be considered a felony if they do.

Adoption financial assistance in Alaska is very common, however. Every prospective birth mother can expect the adoption agency they choose to work with to offer:

• Counseling and education
• A 24/7 hotline to respond to their needs
• Assistance when creating adoption and hospital plans
• Profiles of hopeful adoptive parents 
• Legal counsel
• Financial assistance
• Post-adoption support

Is Putting a Baby Up for Adoption Free in Alaska?

Yes. Adoption is free. The services you receive from an adoption agency are free, the legal process is free, and the medical costs related to your pregnancy will be covered. There are no hidden costs and you will likely even qualify for financial assistance for placing your baby for adoption. While there are no adoption agencies that pay you, you will not be charged a thing for putting your baby up for adoption.

Choosing adoption is a selfless act of love made with your child’s best interests in mind. It is an extremely difficult decision to make, and often it is made primarily because of the financial strain that raising a child can be. Adoption professionals understand this and work hard to ensure that your experience with adoption accounts for this. They will make sure that not only will adoption not cost you anything, but that you will receive the financial support you need.

Some Alaska agencies that will help you are:

• American Adoptions
• Fairbanks Counseling and Adoption
• Alaska Adoption
• Alaska Adoption Services

Do Adoption Agencies Pay Birth Mothers in Alaska?

No. Adoption agencies in Alaska are prohibited from paying birth mothers.

In Alaska and in other states, no money can be exchanged for the transfer of parental rights or the exchange of a human being. If a professional you are working with insinuates otherwise, this is a sign that they may not be a person you can trust in this process.

You should be confident that the professionals guiding you are working hard to support you from within the confines of the law. If you are told that you may receive payments for placing your baby for adoption, it would be wise to look for another professional who can assist you with the adoption financial assistance you are looking for. There are many licensed, reputable agencies listed above that you can trust.

Do You Get Money from Adoption Agencies in Alaska?

As stated earlier, adoption agencies are not allowed to offer you money for putting your baby up for adoption. Still, there are established ways that they can make sure you receive financial assistance for adoption. When working with a licensed agency, your medical bills associated with pregnancy and your legal fees will be covered.

That means that prenatal visits, ultrasounds, medications prescribed during your pregnancy, and hospital costs will be paid for by the adoption agency and adoptive family. Along with these expenses, there are other maternity-related costs that can sometimes be covered for you:  

Adoption financial assistance is commonly given for:

• Rent and Utilities: If a woman’s circumstances cause her to have housing insecurities or difficulties accessing heat or air conditioning during her pregnancy, this is an expense that can be covered for her.
• Groceries: A balanced diet is particularly important during the prenatal months. For some women, it is the difference between a safe pregnancy and one that is threatening to her health. Consequently, this is an expense that in some cases can be paid for during pregnancy.
• Transportation: Lack of access to and from doctor’s visits, work, or the grocery store can be detrimental to the situation of a pregnant woman. If you do not have reliable access to transportation, this expense can be considered appropriate financial assistance for adoption.
• Cell phone and data plan: The inability to call for medical help or to maintain contact with your adoptive family could be reason for having your cell phone and data plan covered through adoption financial assistance in Alaska.
• New housing: In some situations, it is necessary for a birth mother to leave her current housing. Especially in cases where it is unsafe for her or her baby, this can be an expense that could be offset or covered.

Financial help for birth mothers giving baby for adoption is meant to cover the cost incurred by an unplanned pregnancy. The assistance that you receive will depend upon your needs. Licensed adoption professionals will work diligently to support you and will help in any way that they are able to. In some cases, agencies even offer scholarships that can help birth mothers pursue their educational and career aspirations.

For more information about financial assistance for adoption that is allowed in Alaska, you can consult the Child Welfare Information Gateway. And of course, if you’d like to talk to an adoption professional, you can contact us today.