What Do I Get If I Choose Adoption in Pennsylvania?

What if the most loving choice you could make today also gave you the support you need?

If you're pregnant in Pennsylvania and going through a tough time financially, you might be thinking about adoption. You may be wondering: What do I actually get if I place my baby for adoption? The answer is probably more than you expected.

Adoption isn’t about giving up. It’s about choosing a different path, one that could help you and your child both have better futures. In this article, we’ll explain what kind of financial support is available, which services are free, how you can choose the family, and what help you’ll still get afterward.

Whether you’ve just found out you’re pregnant or you’re due soon, help is available. And you don’t have to go through it alone.

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What Financial Help Can I Get in Pennsylvania?

If you're pregnant in Pennsylvania and considering adoption, you may qualify for financial assistance through a licensed adoption agency. This assistance is not "payment for adoption"—that would be illegal—but legal financial support to ease the burdens of pregnancy.

What the Law Allows:

Under Pennsylvania law, licensed adoption agencies are allowed to provide help with living and pregnancy-related expenses. The goal is to make sure you have what you need to stay safe and healthy while making this important decision.

Types of Financial Assistance You May Receive:

• Rent or housing support — to ensure you have a safe, stable living environment during your pregnancy, whether that means catching up on rent or helping you avoid housing insecurity.
• Groceries and meals — providing consistent access to nutritious food, helping you stay strong and support your baby’s development.
• Utility bills — including support for electricity, heating, and water, so you can maintain comfort and stability in your home.
• Medical and prenatal care — covering everything from OB visits and prescriptions to hospital delivery costs—even if you don't have health insurance.
• Transportation — assistance with travel to medical appointments, counseling, legal consultations, or court proceedings so you never miss essential care.
• Maternity clothing and essential items — helping you stay comfortable and confident with support for clothing, hygiene products, and daily needs throughout your pregnancy.

All of this is provided confidentially and without judgment. You deserve care and support, regardless of your situation.

Learn More About Living Expense Assistance

Is Adoption Really Free?

Yes—adoption is completely free for pregnant women in Pennsylvania when working with a licensed adoption agency like American Adoptions.

You will not have to pay for any part of the process. All necessary services are covered so that you can focus on your health and decision-making without financial pressure. This is a legal and ethical standard upheld by licensed agencies across the state.

Free Services You Can Receive:

• Legal services — an experienced adoption attorney will work on your behalf at no cost, guiding you through paperwork, explaining your rights, and making sure your voice is heard every step of the way.
• Medical care — includes all prenatal care, hospital delivery, and postpartum needs, even if you don’t currently have insurance.
• 24/7 counseling and emotional support — free, confidential counseling is available anytime you need to talk—whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need someone to listen.
• Adoptive family matching services — your specialist will help you explore, connect with, and choose from adoptive families who align with your values and hopes for your baby.
• Post-adoption support — includes lifelong services like therapy referrals, support groups for birth parents, and help managing communication with the adoptive family, especially in open adoption plans.

This support is available to you no matter where you live in Pennsylvania—urban, suburban, or rural. It’s not conditional, and there’s no repayment. Choosing adoption is not a financial transaction; it’s a choice rooted in care and support.

Explore the Free Help You Can Get

Do I Get to Choose the Adoptive Family?

Yes. You are in full control of choosing who adopts your baby.

In Pennsylvania, when you work with a licensed agency like American Adoptions, you can personally select the adoptive family based on your preferences. Your specialist will guide you through profiles of waiting families, each carefully screened and excited to grow their family through adoption.

Here’s What You Can Do:

• Explore detailed family profiles — including photos, letters, and video introductions to help you get a real sense of who each family is.
• Ask questions — speak directly with families through interviews, phone calls, or video chats so you feel truly comfortable with your choice.
• Meet adoptive parents — learn more about their lives, values, and dreams for parenthood to ensure the best match for your baby.
• Set future communication expectations — decide together how much contact you'd like after placement, and build a relationship on your terms.

This choice can be empowering, personal, and deeply meaningful. And if you change your mind at any point before legal consent is signed (after birth), your decision will be fully respected.

See Waiting Families in Pennsylvania

Can I Stay in Touch with My Child After Adoption?

Yes. Open adoption is a widely available and supported option in Pennsylvania.

Open adoption allows you to maintain contact with your child and the adoptive family in a way that fits your preferences. You decide what that relationship looks like, and your adoption specialist helps you set expectations.

Common Forms of Post-Adoption Contact:

• Photos and letters — periodic updates about your child's growth, milestones, and everyday life moments that help you feel connected
• Text messages, emails, or phone calls — more casual and frequent check-ins that allow for real-time communication and relationship-building
• In-person visits — special, planned moments to spend time with your child, typically once or twice a year, where you can see how they're growing and share meaningful experiences

This contact is agreed upon before the adoption is finalized. American Adoptions will help you create a communication plan that everyone is comfortable with and can assist in managing that contact over time.

Imagine receiving a new photo of your child smiling or hearing about their first day of school—and knowing they’re loved, happy, and thriving because of your brave decision.

If you prefer a more private or closed adoption with little to no contact, that option is fully respected. The decision is always yours.

Learn About Open Adoption Plans

How Does American Adoptions Help Me?

American Adoptions is a licensed, full-service adoption agency that has supported expectant mothers for more than 30 years. Our team includes licensed counselors, adoptive parents, and birth mothers—all dedicated to helping you feel informed, empowered, and cared for throughout the adoption process.

What We Offer You:

• A Custom Adoption Plan — You’ll work with a specialist to create a step-by-step plan tailored to your emotional, legal, and financial needs.
• A Dedicated Specialist — You’ll be matched with one adoption professional who is available whenever you need them to answer questions, provide reassurance, or help make arrangements.
• Financial Assistance — We cover all pregnancy- and adoption-related costs. This includes medical care, housing, utilities, food, transportation, and legal services, depending on your situation and Pennsylvania law.
• Empowered Choice — You have full control over which adoptive family you choose and how much contact you want now and in the future. You’re in Control
• Support for Open Adoption — If you want to stay in touch with your child, we’ll help you set expectations and create a plan that feels comfortable and meaningful.

Continuous Support—Anytime You Need It:

You can call, text, or email us 24/7—even if it’s late at night and you just need someone to talk to.

We offer immediate support in a crisis, including emergency housing coordination and help reviewing your options.

Our licensed counselors are here for emotional support during your pregnancy and long after placement, so you never have to face this journey alone.

After Placement: Ongoing Care

• Free therapy referrals and long-term emotional support for as long as you need it
• Ongoing connection to birth parent support groups, both in-person and online, where you can find shared understanding and community
• Personalized help with maintaining open adoption contact, whether that’s setting expectations, managing communication, or navigating changes over time

Pennsylvania Locations and Virtual Help:

American Adoptions is available wherever you are in the state:

• Philadelphia
• Pittsburgh
• Harrisburg

Virtual support available across all Pennsylvania counties

We understand that your circumstances are unique. That’s why we make it our priority to meet you with empathy and clarity—never judgment. Whether you need immediate help or are just exploring your options, we are here to help you find your path.

Build Your Personalized Adoption Plan

Common Questions

Do I get paid for placing a baby for adoption in Pennsylvania?
No. It’s illegal to receive payment for placing a child for adoption. However, if you’re pregnant and considering adoption, you can qualify for financial assistance through a licensed agency. This can include help with rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, maternity clothing, and medical care—all legally approved under Pennsylvania law.

Who is eligible to choose adoption?
Any pregnant woman can choose adoption. There are no restrictions based on age, income, marital status, or background. If you’re pregnant and looking for a safe, supported path forward, putting a baby up for adoption is an option available to you.

Can I change my mind after starting the adoption process?
Yes. You can change your mind at any point before signing legal consent paperwork, which typically happens after your baby is born. Adoption is a voluntary choice, and you remain in control throughout the process.

What kind of support is available after the adoption is complete?
You’ll still have access to free support services after placement. These can include:

• Counseling and emotional support
• Mediation or guidance for open adoption contact
• Access to support groups with other birth parents
• Ongoing help from your adoption specialist, if needed

Final Thoughts

Choosing adoption is a courageous decision—and you deserve to know all your options and rights.

Whether you're exploring adoption for the first time or looking for trusted guidance, our team is ready to provide clear, compassionate answers tailored to your situation. No pressure, just real support built around your needs.

Talk to a Pennsylvania Adoption Specialist Today

 

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.