We understand your concern about the expense of raising a child. Life is expensive. If you’ve discovered you are unexpectedly pregnant and need to make a decision, there are options available for you.
Perhaps you could take a closer look at making an adoption plan? It costs nothing to place your child for adoption, and many of your pregnancy-related expenses may be covered as well.
If you’d like to learn more about adoption, schedule a free, confidential appointment at one of our three locations.
Why Should I Consider Adoption?
By working with a reputable, licensed adoption coordinator, you should never pay for adoption services.
In addition, you can receive assistance with your medical care and other pregnancy-related expenses. In Maryland, adoption law allows certain expenses to be paid by the potential adoptive parents, depending on your circumstances.
These services are provided free for you:
- Adoption counseling
- Hospital, legal, and medical services
- Transportation for medical care associated with pregnancy or childbirth
- Food, clothing, and shelter if the birth mother is unable to work because of medical reasons associated with pregnancy or childbirth
Did You Know You Can Choose the Adoptive Parents?
You review bios of potential adoptive couples and choose the couple that shares your values. What’s essential to you will also be important to them.
You can enter into a voluntary post-adoption contact agreement outlining the type and amount of communication you want. The agency files the contact agreement with the court when finalizing the adoption.
When you choose an open adoption plan, you can communicate directly with the adoptive family and your child. A semi-open adoption means you receive communication through your adoption coordinator, which provides more privacy. Or, you can select a completely closed adoption plan.
Did You Know You Have Rights?
As the expectant mother or birth mother, you have certain rights. In addition to selecting the potential adoptive couple, you have the right to:
- Understand the adoption process thoroughly
- Meet the potential adoptive family before giving birth
- Receive counseling before, during, and after finalization of the adoption
- Change your mind at any time until you sign the Consent to Adoption form
How Can Women’s Clinics Help Me?
Women’s Clinics is not a licensed child-placing agency. We will be happy to share more information about adoption and offer referrals to reputable adoption coordinators.
We also offer free classes through our LifeSense Program. You can get tips on having a healthy pregnancy, what to expect during labor and delivery, and considering adoption. Plus, we offer free well-woman services, such as Pap smears, breast exams, pregnancy and STD/HIV testing, pelvic exams, breast cancer, and cervical cancer screenings and exams to help protect your health.
We are here for you. If you are still considering abortion, ask us if an ultrasound could be right for you and be sure to follow our Abortion Checklist first. We offer pre-abortion screening; no insurance is needed, and same-day appointments may be available. Schedule a free and confidential appointment at the location nearest you.