Adoption Questions: Florida state law allows for birth mother assistance or support, but what does that mean?

This is a great question. Florida Law allows a birth mother to receive financial help with “reasonable living expenses of the birth mother which the birth mother is unable to pay due to unemployment, underemployment, or disability. Reasonable living expenses are rent, utilities, basic telephone service, food, toiletries, necessary clothing, transportation, insurance, and expenses found by the court to be necessary for the health and well-being of the birth mother and the unborn child.” Florida birth mother assistance is available during the pregnancy and up to six weeks after giving birth. Additionally, a birth mother may receive help with “reasonable and necessary medical expenses,” during this same period of time. 

Adoption Questions: Florida is where I live, but I don’t really have a steady place to stay here or reliable transportation. Can you help with that? 

Yes, according to Florida law, these qualify as living expenses. The goal of this law is to provide expectant birth mothers with the safety, security and state of well-being they need to have a healthy pregnancy. If you need help with rent, that can be arranged. If you need help paying for transportation, that can be arranged too. Maybe you need to get a cell phone so you can arrange prenatal care visits? Or maybe you need help buying food or toiletries? Those all may qualify as “reasonable living expenses.”

Adoption Questions: Florida has programs to help me get health coverage, but I don’t know how to do that. Could your adoption law firm help me? 

The Adoption Law Office of Madonna Finney would be happy to help you gain the public resources you need during this time. In Florida, a pregnant woman may qualify for the Florida Medicaid program, “if her family’s countable income does not exceed income limits.” There is also Presumptively Eligible Pregnant Women (more commonly known as PEPW). This is temporary medical coverage that can only be used for prenatal care. If a woman’s household income exceeds the limit for Medicaid, there’s also the Medically Needy Program, which may provide some assistance. 

Why Choose Adoption?

While adoption is not the path for everyone, it is undoubtedly a selfless and loving option. It does not cost you any money to “put baby up for adoption in Florida.” Instead, women who make an adoption plan are supported all along the way and are eligible to receive the assistance we discussed above. This helps relieve the stress of pregnancy and provides a certain peace of mind that everything is being taken care of for both you and your baby.

If you need help understanding any/all of your pregnancy options – including parenting, abortion, and adoption – you can always reach out to the Adoption Law Office of Madonna Finney. We’ve counseled hundreds of women in the same situation as you, and can help you understand which path is right for you. We’re here for you 24/7. 

Call or Text: (850) 308-1836

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