How the finances of prospective birth mothers are handled during the adoption process is important. Every woman facing an unplanned pregnancy in Oklahoma should have the option of adoption, regardless of her financial situation.
Fortunately, placing a child for adoption is not a financial burden for prospective birth mothers in Oklahoma. In fact, it’s free!
The first thing you should know? There is no financial compensation for “giving a baby up” for adoption in Oklahoma. Exchanging a child for money is considered human trafficking, which is always a federal offense.
However, it is not only free to place a baby for adoption in Oklahoma, but there is also financial assistance available to prospective birth mothers who qualify.
If you are unsure how your finances may be affected by placing your baby for adoption in Oklahoma, then be sure to read on for more information about Oklahoma adoption laws — and whether financial assistance may be possible for you.
Is it Free to Put a Child Up for Adoption in Oklahoma?
As she considers all of her unplanned pregnancy options, there are many questions an expectant mother may have regarding adoption finances.
Some of these questions may be:
- Can you get paid for adoption in Oklahoma?
- Does a mother of a baby get paid for adoption in Oklahoma?
- Does it cost to put a baby up for adoption in Oklahoma?
- Is it free to give your baby up for adoption in Oklahoma?
- Is there financial assistance for adoption in Oklahoma?
First, know this: Adoption is offered free of charge to every prospective birth mother. In addition to this, many prospective birth mothers will find that they qualify for Oklahoma adoption financial assistance.
Curious? Keep reading to learn more.
Can You Get Paid for Adoption in Oklahoma?
Every woman who chooses adoption in Oklahoma will receive adoption services free of charge. However, a woman cannot “get paid” for adoption in Oklahoma. Remember: It is illegal to exchange a human being for money.
Instead, Oklahoma allows for certain living expenses to be paid for on behalf of a prospective birth mother, including:
- Medical expenses for the prospective birth mother and baby
- Adoption counseling expenses for birth parents before and after the child’s birth, not to exceed six months after the child’s placement
- Living expenses for housing, utilities, and other necessities of the prospective birth mother, including:
- Food for the prospective birth mother and any minor child of hers residing in the home
- Costs of transportation to support the pregnancy, such as gasoline, bus fares, or providing for the temporary use of a vehicle during the pregnancy
- Childcare or foster care for any minor child of the prospective birth mother (for pregnancy-related medical care appointments)
While these are the basic laws of adoption financial assistance, more financial support when “giving a baby up” for adoption in Oklahoma may be available to certain prospective birth mothers who qualify. Every expectant mother’s situation is different — as will be her financial needs.
Please speak to your adoption professional to learn if you qualify for financial help for birth mothers “giving a baby up” for adoption in Oklahoma.
How Do Adoption Agencies Pay Prospective Birth Mothers in Oklahoma?
Adoption is always free to prospective birth mothers, but no one can “get paid” for adoption in Oklahoma!
Instead, local and national adoption agencies offer many free services to prospective birth mothers, including:
- Support from an adoption professional to assist the prospective birth mother in the adoption process, including:
- Creating an adoption plan
- Executing the adoption plan
- Choosing a waiting family profile
- Navigating communication with the birth father
- Creating a hospital plan, if the prospective birth mother is pregnant
- Legal aid from an adoption attorney to guide the prospective birth mother through a successful and ethical adoption
- Pregnancy counseling
- Adoption counseling
- Post-placement support group
- Semi-open adoption mediation
If you have specific services you need in your adoption journey, be sure to communicate those needs up front with the adoption agency you choose. That way, you can make sure you get the support you need during this important journey.
Another note: The amount of free services and financial aid you receive will depend upon your situation. For example, a pregnant teenager who lives at home will likely receive less financial assistance than a single mother who is supporting herself and older children on a single salary.
Why Do Mothers Get Paid for Adoption Expenses in Oklahoma?
For many prospective birth mothers, choosing adoption means taking on a difficult challenge. There are many factors that must be considered when working an adoption journey into a woman’s life, including: taking care of medical appointments and physical health; communicating and planning with an adoption professional; getting to know a waiting family; and more.
Financial stress should be the last thing a prospective birth mother has to worry about. Therefore, Oklahoma adoptions allow for financial assistance with living expenses for these women placing their babies for adoption.
If you have questions about the financial assistance you may receive in your Oklahoma adoption, please fill out this contact form. An adoption professional will connect with you as soon as possible, answer your questions and, when you’re ready, start you on your very own adoption journey!