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

But as a birth mother, your needs matter, and you can receive adoption financial assistance.

If you are considering placing your baby for adoption in New Hampshire and you want to know about the support that adoption agencies can provide you during this time, you are not alone. Many birth mothers have questions about the financial support that they might be eligible to receive. 

Some frequently asked questions that you might have are:

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

This guide will answer these questions and more. If you would like to contact an adoption specialist 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 New Hampshire?

One of the most common reasons that women consider adoption is because of their financial situation. If you are currently in a situation that would make it difficult to afford pregnancy or parenting, 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 direct payments to a birth mother. Neither adoptive families nor agencies can pay you for your selfless act of generosity, but there are many ways that they can support you financially.

In fact, adoption financial assistance in New Hampshire is very common. Firstly, the services of an adoption agency is offered to every prospective birth mother. With a reputable agency, this includes:

• Counseling and education
• A 24/7 hotline to respond to birth mother 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 New Hampshire?

Yes. Adoption is free. There are no hidden costs or extra fees. You will receive all adoption services at no cost to you. You will not have to cover any expenses related to the legal process, and the medical costs related to your pregnancy will be covered. Additionally, you will likely qualify for financial assistance for placing your baby for adoption. Adoption agencies cannot pay you, but you will not be responsible for covering any costs associated with putting your baby up for adoption.

Pursuing adoption is a brave act of love made with your child’s best interests in mind. It is a difficult decision to make, and you should not have to shoulder the costs involved. Adoption professionals understand that the decision to “give up” a baby for adoption is often made because of financial strain, and they will work to put your needs at the forefront of the process.

Some New Hampshire agencies that will help you are:

• American Adoptions
• Adoptive Families for Children
• Catholic Charities of New Hampshire
• Bethany Christian Services

Do Adoption Agencies Pay Birth Mothers in New Hampshire?

No. It is illegal for adoption agencies in New Hampshire to pay birth mothers with direct compensation.

In accordance with federal law, no money can be exchanged for the transfer of parental rights or the exchange of another human. If you happen to be working with a professional who suggests that this is not the case, this could be a sign that you are working with the wrong agency.

The adoption professional who you work with should be working hard to make sure that you receive the adoption financial assistance you need but ensuring that all laws are being followed and all support is given ethically. There are many licensed, reputable agencies listed above that you can trust.

Do You Get Money from Adoption Agencies in New Hampshire?

No. Adoption agencies cannot pay you for placing your child for adoption. Still, there are established ways that you can receive financial assistance for adoption as a birth mother. Your medical bills associated with pregnancy and your legal fees will be covered when you are partnering with a licensed agency.

The medical Along with these expenses, there are other maternity-related costs that can sometimes be covered for you:  

Adoption financial assistance is commonly given for:

• Medical Expenses: Costs included in medical assistance are prenatal visits, ultrasounds, medications prescribed for pregnancy symptoms, and hospital fees. These are expenses that are fully covered by agencies and the adoptive family.
• Legal Fees: A woman who is “giving up” her baby for adoption will receive legal representation and will not be responsible for any of the legal costs involved.
• Rent and Utilities: Some women find themselves with housing insecurities or with difficulties accessing heat or air conditioning during her pregnancy. If this is the case for you, this is an expense that might be covered for you.
• Groceries: For some women, a balanced diet is the difference between a safe pregnancy and one that threatens her health or her baby’s health. In some cases, this is an expense that can be covered during pregnancy.
• Transportation: Difficulty accessing transportation can impact a woman’s employment status, their ability to make it to doctor’s visits, or to pick up groceries or other necessities. If you need reliable access to transportation, this expense can sometimes be covered by financial assistance for adoption.
• Cell phone and data plan: In certain situations, you may be able to have your cell phone and data plan paid for. Whether you are unable to maintain contact with your adoptive family or have restrictions when it comes to calling for medical help, adoption financial assistance in New Hampshire could cover your phone costs.
• New housing: In some circumstances, it is required for a birth mother to leave her housing. Particularly in cases where it is risky for her or her baby, this can be a cost that could be subsidized or covered completely.

Financial help for birth mothers giving baby for adoption is intended to offset the costs of an unplanned pregnancy. The assistance that you qualify for depends on your needs during your pregnancy. Trustworthy adoption specialists will work diligently to make sure that you receive the support you need. In some cases, agencies even offer scholarships that can help birth mothers with aspirations after their pregnancy.

If you want more information about the financial assistance for adoption that is allowed in New Hampshire, consulting the Child Welfare Information Gateway can be helpful. If you’d like to talk to an adoption professional, you can contact us today.