In no instance is payment for an adoption ever legal. In fact, if a birth parent is told that they will receive compensation for making an adoption plan for their baby, they are probably dealing with someone who is not truly an adoption professional. Getting paid for giving someone your child is human trafficking and is not legal in any state.
Reimbursement for Birth Parents
Though it is unethical to receive money in exchange for one’s child, many states do offer services and reimbursement for some of the costs involved in having a child including medical expenses, housing up to a certain sum and time, and other expenses related to child birth. Adoption agencies might also offer services and the ability to get other items needed at that time. However, if money is ever directly offered for your child, reach out to the local authorities immediately.
Adoption Is Always Free to the Birth Parents
There is never a cost associated with adoption for birth parents. (If you are told you have to pay, that’s a red flag that you’re working with someone that isn’t reputable). Adoptive parents cover the costs of medical care, legal fees, and any costs associated with working with an adoption agency. Foster parents may get a stipend, but that is usually the only time where a “payment” is received.
Coercion and Adoption
Coercion occurs in adoption when a birth parent was threatened or force was used to get them to relinquish their parental rights. Offering money to a birth parent in exchange for their child would also be construed as coercion and is also illegal.
Birth parents have every right to make a decision about who parents their child. Choosing to parent themselves is always an option and they may change their minds at any time with no ramifications. Offering money at any time or any financial support other than the reimbursements allowed by the state is not only illegal and unethical, but could seriously jeopardize your ability to adopt a child.