Since an unplanned pregnancy in Ohio can be expensive and present a financial burden to an expectant mother, it causes many prospective birth mothers to ask questions like:

• “How much does it cost to give a child up for adoption in Ohio?”
• “Is putting a baby up for adoption free?”
• “Can I get paid for adoption in Ohio?”

This guide will answer these questions and more. But first – rest assured that you are not alone on this journey. There are supports and resources that will help you through this time — financially, emotionally, and practically.  If you want to speak to an adoption professional, contact us today.

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

This is a common question for many prospective birth mothers. Finances certainly weigh into the decision between unplanned pregnancy options.

The simple answer to this question, however, is no. It is illegal to exchange payment for another person in Ohio – or any other state for that matter.  This does not mean you cannot receive any financial assistance, though. Many expenses can in fact be covered for you throughout your pregnancy.

For example, the services of an adoption professional are free and, with the right agency, these will include:

• Counseling and education
• A confidential, 24/7 hotline just for prospective birth parents
• Advice while creating adoption and hospital plans
• Family profiles of potential adoptive parents 
• Legal counsel
• Financial assistance
• Post-adoption support

Is Putting a Baby Up for Adoption Free in Ohio?

Adoption is always free for a prospective birth mother. One of the main reasons many women choose adoption is the prohibitive cost associated with medical care and raising a child. You are making a brave and selfless decision by placing your baby up for adoption, and you will not ever be expected to pay to complete the adoption process. Rest assured, there are no costs to “giving your baby up” for adoption.

Not only is adoption free for you, but since your pregnancy itself will cost money, you will also qualify for adoption financial assistance. When you are working with licensed professionals from accredited agencies, they will make sure that you receive the support you need.

Some agencies you may want to reach out to in Ohio are:

• American Adoptions
• Gladney Center for Adoption
• Beacon House Adoptions
• Adoption by Gentle Care
• Building Blocks Adoption Service, Inc.
• Adoption Circle
• Adoption Link

Do Adoption Agencies Pay Birth Mothers in Ohio?

No. Neither adoption agencies nor hopeful adoptive parents can legally pay birth mothers in Ohio. This is a common misconception about the way that the adoption process works, so you are not alone in wondering “Are there adoption agencies that pay you?”

Birth mothers cannot be given direct compensation for “giving up” their child for adoption. In fact, if you are in contact with an adoption professional who insinuates that you will be paid, this is a red flag that you are working with the wrong agency. The act of paying a birth mother for her baby could actually be considered a felony.

Do You Get Money From Adoption Agencies in Ohio?

A birth mother will not receive money from an adoption agency; however, she will likely receive adoption financial assistance or perhaps even a scholarship. While this might sound like splitting hairs, it is important that any assistance is given in a legal manner and be associated with costs that are accrued due to the pregnancy or adoption process.

Trusted Ohio agencies (like the ones listed above) make sure that you are given the support you need and that costs of “giving up a baby for adoption” are not yours to cover.

Do You Get Money from Adoptive Families in Ohio?

No. While some of the support you receive to cover adoption and pregnancy costs is money paid by the adoptive families through the adoption agency, they cannot directly support you financially. It is done this way to ensure that the adoption financial support goes toward living expenses of the mother that are incurred as a result of the pregnancy. All families are prepared to cover the cost of some adoption financial assistance, but it will all be handled by the agency.

Support that is allowable mostly falls in the following categories:

Medical Costs

The costs associated with prenatal care can be expensive. Doctor’s visits occur frequently even for the healthiest mothers with the lowest risk pregnancies, and delivery can be costly too. Additionally, prospective birth mothers might need bills associated with medication, vitamins, or birthing classes covered. In Ohio, an adoptive family can cover these costs with their budgeted adoption financial assistance.

Rent

Some prospective birth mothers could be facing circumstances that jeopardize their ability to pay their housing costs. Whether factors related to their pregnancy are necessitating a move or a decrease in working hours, they may qualify for some adoption financial assistance related to housing. In Ohio, living expenses not exceeding $3,000 for the birth mother during her pregnancy are allowable.

Groceries

A woman’s ability to access nutritious food during her pregnancy can be the difference between a comfortable and healthy pregnancy and high-risk complications. A perfectly appropriate way to support a prospective birth mother is to ensure that she is able to afford the nutrition she and her baby need during the pregnancy.

Legal Fees

A birth mother will not be responsible for legal fees associated with her adoption. Legal counsel will be provided to you free of cost as a part of the financial assistance for putting baby up for adoption.

For more information regarding the type of financial assistance for adoption that is allowable in Ohio, you can contact us to be connected with a helpful adoption professional today.