Birth Mother Expenses Covered By Each State

The financial impact of pregnancy and childbirth is one of the biggest stressors expectant mothers face. As pregnant women explore their options, many wonder how their pregnancy expenses will be paid.

If you are considering adoption, there are probably several questions swirling around your head. How much does adoption cost? How will I cover my living expenses during pregnancy? Who will pay my medical bills?

The good news is that there are resources to provide birth mothers with financial support during their pregnancy. Below, we’ll explore the birth mother expenses by state that can be covered by an adoptive family.

What expenses can a birth mother have during pregnancy?

Pregnancy expenses can include much more than medical bills. Depending on your circumstances, you may need help with:

Prenatal visits, laboratory testing, medications, and hospital care
Transportation to medical or adoption-related appointments
Maternity clothing
Food and groceries
Housing, rent, or utilities
Telephone expenses
Counseling or other adoption-related services
Legal services connected with the adoption
Certain postpartum or recovery expenses

Whether an expense can be covered depends on state law, the circumstances of the adoption, the amount of the expense, and whether court or agency approval is required. The Children’s Bureau’s overview of private domestic adoption expenses provides a nationwide statutory reference, but it is based on law through May 2022 and should not substitute for confirmation of current state law.

How can a birth mother get financial support during pregnancy?

Choosing adoption is a brave and selfless decision. That’s why state regulations have changed. They now provide birth mothers with the respect and support they deserve through the adoption process.

If you are pregnant and considering adoption, you can explore multiple sources of financial and medical assistance. Adoption-related assistance is only one possible resource.

For medical care, Medicaid and CHIP provide free or low-cost coverage to eligible pregnant people, although eligibility and benefits differ by state. HealthCare.gov’s pregnancy coverage guidance explains how Medicaid, CHIP, and Marketplace coverage can help pay for pregnancy and childbirth.

In Texas, pregnant people can also apply for Medicaid for Pregnant Women and CHIP Perinatal, while Texas DSHS pregnancy resources identify programs involving prenatal care, nutrition, transportation, housing, and other support.

If you are considering adoption, an adoption professional can also explain which pregnancy-related expenses may legally be covered in your state. Financial assistance should not be treated as payment for consenting to adoption. State laws regulate what may be paid, to whom, and under what circumstances.

Does prenatal care matter if you are considering adoption?

Yes. Choosing adoption does not change the importance of receiving appropriate pregnancy care. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends starting prenatal care as soon as pregnancy is known or suspected. Prenatal care can include examinations, screening, education, counseling, and referrals to community resources.

ACOG’s current prenatal care guidance also specifically notes that transportation, food access, and social support can affect pregnancy health. If cost, transportation, housing, or another practical problem is making prenatal care difficult, tell your health care professional.

Seek medical care promptly for urgent warning signs such as significant vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, severe abdominal pain, severe headache, trouble breathing, chest pain, or a noticeable decrease or stopping of fetal movement. The CDC’s urgent maternal warning signs guidance provides a fuller list and recommends immediate medical attention for these symptoms.

How do birth mother expenses work in each state?

State adoption laws use different terms and impose different limits. Some states expressly permit living expenses, while others focus primarily on medical, legal, counseling, or adoption-related expenses. Some states do not specifically address birth parent expenses in their adoption statutes.

The following is a practical summary of the categories identified in state law. It is not a promise that an expense will be approved in an individual adoption. Confirm the current rule with a licensed professional in your state before accepting or arranging payment.

Birth Mother Expenses By State

Birth mother expenses vary significantly by state. State law may allow prospective adoptive parents, adoption agencies, or other authorized parties to pay certain expenses for a person who is pregnant and considering adoption. These expenses can include medical care, housing, food, transportation, counseling, legal services, and other necessities.

Important: The expenses below describe categories that state law may permit. They do not mean that every birth mother automatically qualifies for every expense. Some states require court approval, impose dollar or time limits, require receipts or an accounting, or restrict payments based on the circumstances. Financial assistance also cannot be treated as payment for a person’s consent to adoption.

State	Expenses Covered
Alabama	Alabama law permits certain payments as charitable assistance when they are not conditioned on adoption. Potentially covered expenses include: Maternity-connected medical or hospital expenses Necessary living expenses associated with pregnancy-related incapacity Legitimate charges for medical, legal, prenatal, and other professional services Restrictions: Payments cannot be contingent on placing the child for adoption, consenting to adoption, or cooperating with the adoption. Court approval may be required for certain payments. Review Alabama’s adoption expense law, Ala. Code § 26-10A-34.
Alaska	Alaska law permits certain expenses connected with pregnancy, childbirth, and adoption. Potentially covered expenses include: Prenatal medical care Medical or hospital care related to confinement and childbirth Childbirth expenses Services related to the adoption Restrictions: The specific payment must be connected to the adoption and comply with Alaska’s adoption laws. Review Alaska’s adoption statutes.
Arizona	Arizona has one of the more detailed statutory provisions addressing payments to birth parents. Potentially covered expenses include: Medical costs Hospital care Medical examinations for the mother and child Counseling Legal fees Agency fees Living expenses Other expenses the court determines are reasonable and necessary Restrictions: A person may advance up to $1,000 in birth-parent living expenses without filing a motion. Living expenses exceeding $1,000 require court involvement. Arizona courts review adoption expenses for reasonableness and necessity, and payment cannot be compensation for giving or obtaining consent to adoption. Review Arizona Revised Statutes § 8-114.
Arkansas	Arkansas law permits certain incidental expenses associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. Potentially covered expenses include: Reasonable housing Food Clothing General maintenance Prenatal care Delivery-related medical care Postnatal care Other permitted medical expenses Restrictions: Expenses must be permitted under Arkansas adoption law and should be reviewed with the attorney or adoption professional handling the placement. Review Arkansas adoption statutes.
California	California law permits certain adoption-related expenses for a birth parent. Potentially covered expenses include: Attorney fees Medical fees and expenses Hospital fees and expenses Counseling Necessary living expenses before and during confinement Restrictions: California law requires adoption-related expenses to be disclosed and places restrictions on payments that could constitute an improper financial benefit. Review California’s Family Code adoption provisions.
Colorado	Potentially covered expenses include: Physician fees Attorney fees Other adoption-related charges and fees approved by the court Restrictions: Expenses should be reasonable and properly documented as required by Colorado adoption law. Review Colorado’s adoption statutes.
Connecticut	Connecticut substantially changed its birth-parent-expense law effective July 1, 2024. Potentially covered expenses include: Living expenses Medical expenses Legal expenses Other reasonable expenses, fees, and services related to pregnancy or adoption Restrictions: Payments or reimbursements generally must be made no earlier than 180 days before the expected date of birth and no later than 60 days after birth. The payments are subject to Probate Court approval. Unlike the former law, the current statute is not limited to the previous $1,500 living-expense amount. Review Connecticut General Statutes § 45a-728c.
Delaware	Delaware has more restrictive rules concerning payments connected with private adoption. Potentially covered expenses include: Court costs Legal fees Restrictions: Delaware law restricts payments or contributions made in connection with placing a child for adoption. Do not assume that ordinary living expenses are permissible without obtaining state-specific legal advice. Review Delaware’s adoption statutes.
District of Columbia	Potentially covered expenses include: Food Shelter Clothing Medical expenses Counseling from an independent mental health professional Transportation to obtain medical or adoption-related services Reasonable legal expenses Certain costs associated with locating an absent birth parent Certain foster-care expenses Other reasonable legal or medical expenses related to the adoption Restrictions: Payments must comply with District adoption regulations and applicable agency requirements. Review D.C. adoption expense law.
Florida	Florida provides one of the most detailed lists of permissible birth-mother expenses. Potentially covered expenses include: Rent Utilities Basic telephone service Food Toiletries Necessary clothing Transportation Insurance Other living expenses the court determines necessary for the health and well-being of the birth mother and unborn child Reasonable and necessary medical expenses Restrictions: Living expenses must be expenses the birth mother is unable to pay because of unemployment, underemployment, or disability. These expenses may be paid during pregnancy and for up to six weeks postpartum. Florida also requires an accounting of adoption expenses, and the court can reject expenses that are not permitted, reasonable, or properly supported. Review Florida Statutes § 63.097.
Georgia	Potentially covered expenses include: Medical expenses directly related to pregnancy Hospital expenses related to childbirth Medical care related to childbirth Restrictions: Georgia’s statutory provision is focused on medical expenses directly related to pregnancy and childbirth. Other living expenses should not be assumed to be covered without confirming the current law. Review Georgia’s adoption statutes.
Hawaii	Hawaii does not specifically address birth-parent expenses in its adoption statutes. Restrictions: Because there is not a specific statutory list of permissible birth-mother expenses, obtain advice from a Hawaii adoption attorney or licensed adoption professional before arranging financial assistance. Review Hawaii Revised Statutes.
Idaho	Potentially covered expenses include: Legal costs Medical costs Reasonable maternity expenses Reasonable living expenses during pregnancy Living expenses for up to six weeks postpartum Restrictions: Living expenses are subject to demonstrated financial need and applicable statutory requirements. Review Idaho’s adoption statutes.
Illinois	Potentially covered expenses include: Reasonable and actual medical fees Hospital charges related to the birth Legal fees Reasonable living expenses needed for basic needs Lodging Food Clothing Restrictions: Statutory living expenses can extend for up to 60 days after birth. Illinois also permits certain gifts to a birth parent, but the total value of those gifts may not exceed the statutory limit. Review Illinois adoption law.
Indiana	Potentially covered expenses include: Reasonable attorney fees Hospital and medical costs related to pregnancy, labor, and delivery Psychological counseling Travel expenses Maternity clothing Housing Utilities Phone service Other living expenses approved by the court Reimbursement for wages lost because a medical condition prevented the birth mother from performing her regular employment Restrictions: Living expenses are specifically addressed during the second and third trimesters, and additional expenses may require court approval. Review Indiana’s adoption statutes.
Iowa	Potentially covered expenses include: Childbirth expenses Placement-related expenses Adoption-related legal costs Pregnancy-related medical care Delivery-related medical care Medically necessary postpartum care Living expenses Counseling Restrictions: Iowa places statutory limits on certain living expenses and requires expenses to be connected to pregnancy, childbirth, placement, or adoption. Review Iowa Code.
Kansas	Potentially covered expenses include: Pregnancy-related medical expenses Childbirth-related medical expenses Medical expenses for the birth mother or child Reasonable living expenses incurred during or because of pregnancy Restrictions: Kansas law does not authorize expenses simply because they are requested. Expenses must fall within the categories permitted by statute and must be reasonable. Review Kansas adoption statutes.
Kentucky	Potentially covered expenses include: Legal services Adoption placement services Expenses of birth parents Restrictions: Kentucky law restricts payments connected with adoption and should be reviewed with Kentucky adoption counsel before financial assistance is provided. Review Kentucky Revised Statutes.
Louisiana	Potentially covered expenses include: Prenatal medical expenses Hospital expenses Testing Nursing Pharmaceutical expenses Travel related to prenatal care and childbirth Mental health counseling Reasonable living expenses before childbirth and for up to 45 days after birth Attorney fees Court costs Travel related to the adoption Other expenses the court finds reasonable and necessary Restrictions: Expenses must be reasonable and actual, and certain payments require court review. Review Louisiana adoption statutes.
Maine	Potentially covered expenses include: Legal fees Adoption-related legal expenses Prenatal counseling Postnatal counseling Prenatal medical expenses Birthing and related medical expenses Transportation needed to obtain covered services Necessary living expenses Certain child-placement agency fees Legal and counseling expenses for the birth father related to the adoption Restrictions: Expenses must comply with Maine’s adoption and child-placing-agency requirements. Review Maine statutes.
Maryland	Potentially covered expenses include: Adoption counseling Hospital services Medical services Legal services Transportation for pregnancy- or childbirth-related medical care Food Clothing Shelter Restrictions: Food, clothing, and shelter expenses are tied to circumstances in which the birth mother is unable to work because of medical reasons associated with pregnancy or childbirth. Review Maryland Family Law.
Massachusetts	Massachusetts does not specifically address birth-parent expenses in its adoption statutes. Restrictions: Do not assume that a particular living or pregnancy expense can legally be paid simply because it is permitted in another state. Review Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 210.
Michigan	Potentially covered expenses include: Medical expenses Hospital expenses Nursing expenses Pharmaceutical expenses Counseling services Living expenses before birth Living expenses for up to six weeks after birth Travel expenses associated with adoption Expenses incurred to obtain birth-family information for the adoption Restrictions: Michigan prohibits payments of money or anything of value in connection with adoption except for charges and fees permitted or approved under the statute. Adoption expenses are subject to court oversight. Review Michigan’s Adoption Code, including MCL 710.54.
Minnesota	Potentially covered expenses include: Counseling Medical fees Legal fees Transportation Meals Lodging Adoption-agency services Living expenses needed to maintain an adequate standard of living Restrictions: Living expenses are connected to loss of income or other support resulting from pregnancy. Minnesota is also among the states that restrict certain categories of payments that could provide an improper financial benefit. Review Minnesota adoption statutes.
Mississippi	Potentially covered expenses include: Legal fees Attorney fees Reasonable and actual medical fees Hospital charges Birth-mother living expenses Counseling for birth parents Restrictions: Expenses must be reasonable and connected with the adoption or pregnancy. Review Mississippi adoption statutes.
Missouri	Potentially covered expenses include: Hospital expenses Medical or physician expenses Counseling Pre-placement assessment expenses Legal expenses Court costs Travel Adoption-related administrative expenses Food Shelter Utilities Transportation Clothing for the birth parent and child Restrictions: Living expenses must be reasonable and within the norms of the community where the birth mother resides. Missouri law also regulates expenses that are not expressly authorized. Review Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 453.
Montana	Potentially covered expenses include: Medical care Prenatal care Counseling, subject to statutory limits Travel Temporary living expenses Legal fees Other reasonable adoption-related costs Restrictions: Montana limits certain counseling payments and restricts payments that could provide an improper financial benefit. Review Montana adoption statutes.
Nebraska	Nebraska does not specifically address birth-parent expenses in its adoption statutes. Restrictions: Because there is no specific statutory list of permissible birth-parent expenses, obtain current Nebraska legal guidance before arranging payments. Review Nebraska Revised Statutes.
Nevada	Potentially covered expenses include: Medical expenses Necessary living expenses related to the birth of the child Restrictions: Nevada law regulates payments made in connection with adoption and requires expenses to be connected to the adoption and permitted by statute. Review Nevada Revised Statutes.
New Hampshire	Potentially covered expenses include: Counseling Medical services Legal services Transportation Lodging Clothing Food Adoption-agency services Living expenses needed to maintain an adequate standard of living when pregnancy or delivery causes loss of wages Restrictions: Certain expenses are subject to statutory limits and timing requirements. Review New Hampshire adoption statutes.
New Jersey	Potentially covered expenses include: Medical expenses Hospital expenses Counseling Other expenses associated with childbirth or illness Food Clothing Medical needs Shelter Religious, psychological, vocational, or similar counseling Legal fees and costs Restrictions: Expenses must be reasonable and connected with the adoption, birth, or permitted support services. Review New Jersey adoption statutes.
New Mexico	Potentially covered expenses include: Medical expenses Hospital expenses Nursing Pharmaceutical expenses Travel Counseling Living expenses for the birth mother and dependent children Legal services for a parent consenting to adoption Expenses related to required family-history disclosure Other expenses the court finds reasonably necessary Restrictions: Expenses must be reasonable and actual, and the court can review expenses connected with the adoption. Review New Mexico adoption statutes.
New York	Potentially covered expenses include: Medical expenses related to pregnancy and childbirth Hospital expenses Nursing expenses Medical care for the child Housing Maternity clothing Clothing for the child Transportation Restrictions: New York places time limits on certain living expenses. Expenses must be reasonable and actually incurred. Review New York Social Services Law.
North Carolina	Potentially covered expenses include: Medical expenses Hospital expenses Nursing Pharmaceutical expenses Travel Pregnancy-related medical care Childbirth-related medical care Adoption-related counseling Ordinary living expenses during pregnancy Adoption-related legal services Restrictions: Counseling must generally be provided by a qualified professional as specified by North Carolina law. Review North Carolina adoption statutes.
North Dakota	Potentially covered expenses include: Prenatal medical expenses not covered by health insurance Childbirth medical expenses not covered by health insurance Transportation Meals Lodging Living expenses needed to maintain an adequate standard of living Restrictions: Living expenses are tied to loss of income or other support resulting from pregnancy. North Dakota also restricts certain categories of financial assistance. Review North Dakota adoption statutes.
Ohio	Ohio’s current law is particularly important to update because the statutory living-expense limit increased in 2025. Potentially covered expenses include: Physician expenses Hospital expenses Other medical expenses related to prenatal care, delivery, and confinement Court fees Attorney fees Rent or mortgage payments Utilities Food Household goods Personal-care items Transportation Restrictions: Ohio currently permits up to $6,000 in qualifying living expenses for the birth mother during pregnancy and through the 60th day after childbirth. The 2025 legislation increased the limit from $3,000 to $6,000. Review Ohio Revised Code § 3107.055.
Oklahoma	Potentially covered expenses include: Attorney fees Court costs Medical expenses for the birth mother and child Adoption counseling Transportation for medical or adoption needs Housing Utilities Food Transportation Childcare for a minor child when associated with pregnancy-related medical care Other necessities Restrictions: Oklahoma also permits a limited one-time gift to the birth mother, subject to the statutory limit. Other expenses must be reasonable and authorized by law. Review Oklahoma adoption statutes.
Oregon	Potentially covered expenses include: Legal expenses Medical expenses Living expenses Travel expenses Restrictions: Oregon requires adoption-related financial information to be disclosed as part of the adoption process. Review Oregon Revised Statutes.
Pennsylvania	Potentially covered expenses include: Prenatal medical expenses Prenatal hospital expenses Medical and hospital expenses for the mother and child during childbirth Medical expenses for the child before adoption Hospital expenses for the child before adoption Foster-care expenses for the child before adoption Restrictions: Pennsylvania specifically identifies permissible reimbursement of certain medical, hospital, and foster-care expenses and requires adoption-related financial information to be reported to the court. Review Pennsylvania’s adoption statutes.
Rhode Island	Rhode Island does not specifically address birth-parent expenses in its adoption statutes. Restrictions: Do not assume that a category permitted in a neighboring state is also permitted in Rhode Island. State-specific legal guidance should be obtained before arranging payment. Review Rhode Island General Laws.
South Carolina	Potentially covered expenses include: Necessary medical expenses Reasonable living expenses for the birth mother and child Reasonable attorney fees and costs Reasonable child-placing-agency fees Restrictions: South Carolina requires documentation of adoption-related expenses. Receipts for birth-mother living expenses may be required, and expenses without appropriate receipts may be disallowed. Review South Carolina adoption statutes.
South Dakota	South Dakota’s law takes a court-approval approach to adoption expenses. Potentially covered: Expenses approved by the court in connection with the adoption. Restrictions: Do not assume a particular living, medical, or other expense is permissible without court or legal review. Review South Dakota Codified Laws.
Tennessee	Reasonable expenses and fees for hospital or medical services related to childbirth Medical care and other birth-related expenses for mother or child Counseling fees for birth parent Reasonable legal fees Reasonable and actual living expenses for: Housing Food Maternity clothing Child’s clothing Utilities Transportation See the Tennessee statute here.
Texas	Texas law permits certain pregnancy-related expenses through a child-placing agency and separately permits payment for professional, legal, and medical services. Potentially covered expenses include: Attorney fees Social-worker services Mental-health professional services Physician services Legal expenses Medical expenses Pregnancy-related expenses paid through a child-placing agency, which may include: Housing Food Maternity clothing Utilities Transportation Restrictions: Texas law prohibits exchanging something of value for the purchase or sale of a child. A statutory exception allows necessary pregnancy-related expenses paid by a child-placing agency for the benefit of the child’s parent when permitted by the applicable child-placing-agency rules. Review the Texas Family Code and Texas Penal Code § 25.08.
Utah	Potentially covered expenses include: Legal expenses Maternity expenses Medical expenses Hospital expenses Counseling Temporary living expenses during pregnancy and childbirth Pregnancy-related travel Adoption-related travel Restrictions: Expenses must be reasonable and connected to the adoption. Review Utah adoption statutes.
Vermont	Potentially covered expenses include: Prenatal medical expenses Childbirth medical expenses Hospital expenses Nursing Pharmaceutical expenses Counseling Living expenses for a reasonable period before and after childbirth Legal services Transportation Other expenses the court finds reasonable and necessary Restrictions: Certain expenses may require court approval. Review Vermont adoption statutes.
Virginia	Potentially covered expenses include: Medical expenses directly related to pregnancy Insurance premiums directly related to pregnancy Mental-health counseling for the birth mother or father Food Clothing Shelter when the birth mother cannot work because of pregnancy Transportation Legal services Court-appearance expenses, including transportation, food, and lodging Restrictions: Living expenses are tied to the birth mother’s inability to work because of pregnancy, and payments must comply with Virginia’s adoption-expense requirements. Review Virginia adoption statutes.
Washington	Potentially covered expenses include: Prenatal medical expenses Prenatal hospital expenses Medical expenses related to childbirth Hospital expenses related to childbirth Attorney fees Court costs Restrictions: Washington requires adoption-related financial information to be disclosed to the court. Medical expenses may also involve Medicaid or other third-party coverage, and payment arrangements should be documented. Review Washington’s adoption statutes, including Chapter 26.33 RCW.
West Virginia	Potentially covered expenses include: Legal expenses Medical expenses Hospital expenses Other reasonable and customary expenses associated with pregnancy, birth, and adoption proceedings Restrictions: Expenses must be authorized by law and may require court approval. Review West Virginia adoption statutes.
Wisconsin	Potentially covered expenses include: Pre-adoption counseling Post-adoption counseling Maternity clothing, up to the statutory limit Local transportation related to pregnancy or adoption Medical care related to pregnancy or childbirth Hospital care related to pregnancy or childbirth Medical and hospital care for the child Legal services Living expenses necessary to protect the birth mother’s health and welfare Birthing classes A limited gift to the birth mother Restrictions: Wisconsin law limits certain categories, including maternity clothing, living expenses, and the value of a gift. The current statute should be reviewed before relying on a specific dollar amount. Review Wisconsin adoption statutes.
Wyoming	Wyoming does not specifically address birth-parent expenses in its adoption statutes. Restrictions: Because there is no specific statutory list of permissible birth-parent expenses, obtain current legal guidance before arranging financial assistance. Review Wyoming adoption statutes.

Get Help With Birth Mother Expenses From The Supportive Team At Texas Adoption Center

At Texas Adoption Center, our team of professionals is passionate about making you feel safe and supported in your decisions. Even when things get complicated, we help you find the hope you need to embrace the better days ahead. As you make the right choice for yourself and your baby, our goal is to give you the information you need to choose with confidence.

In addition to the latest information about birth mother expenses by state, we provide the following essential services to our clients: