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Unplanned Pregnancy Help by State

Financial fear is one of the most common concerns during an unplanned pregnancy. The cost of prenatal care, delivery, diapers, formula, childcare—it...

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I’m Pregnant and Can’t Afford the Baby in Indiana: What Can I Do?

Financial fear is one of the most common concerns during an unplanned pregnancy.

The cost of prenatal care, delivery, diapers, formula, childcare—it adds up fast, and if you’re already struggling, the thought of raising a child can feel overwhelming.

Here’s what you need to know: You have options. Whether you choose to parent, consider adoption, or explore abortion, resources and support are available in Indiana. You don’t have to figure this out alone, and you don’t have to let money make this decision for you.

This article covers the financial help available in Indiana, what each option costs, and how adoption provides comprehensive support at no cost to you.

Financial Help for Pregnant Women in Indiana: What’s Available and How to Get It

If you’re pregnant and can’t afford it, Indiana offers several programs:

These programs help, but they may not cover everything. Many women find that even with assistance, the long-term financial reality of raising a child remains daunting.

Abortion vs. Adoption Costs in Indiana: What’s More Affordable — and Why?

When you’re pregnant but can’t afford another baby, understanding the cost of each option matters.

Abortion in Indiana: Due to Indiana’s near-total ban, abortion is only legal in limited circumstances. If you don’t meet these exceptions, you would need to travel out of state. Out-of-state abortion typically costs $500-$2,000+ depending on how far along you are, plus travel, lodging, and time off work.

Adoption is completely free. Unlike abortion, where you bear the financial burden, adoption agencies cover all pregnancy-related costs. Here’s what adoption includes at no cost:

Adoption removes the financial barrier, allowing you to make a decision based on what’s best—not what you can afford.

What Kind of Financial Assistance for Adoption Can You Get While Pregnant in Indiana?

Beyond covering adoption costs, many agencies provide financial assistance for birth mothers during pregnancy. In Indiana, adoption financial assistance can typically cover:

This support isn’t a loan—you don’t pay it back. It’s assistance designed to help you stay healthy and stable during pregnancy.

The specifics depend on your state’s laws and individual circumstances. Get free support to understand what assistance might be available to you in your situation.

Why So Many Women in Indiana Choose Adoption During Hard Times

Financial hardship doesn’t mean you’re a bad mother. It means you’re being realistic about what your child needs and what you can provide right now.

Many women choose adoption because they want their baby to have:

Immediate stability. Adoptive families have been vetted, financially prepared, and are ready to provide for a child from day one.

Two parents. If you’re facing pregnancy alone, adoption can give your child the two-parent household you wanted for them.

Opportunities. Adoptive families often have resources for education, healthcare, and experiences you may not be able to provide.

Your love, expressed differently. Choosing adoption isn’t abandoning your child—it’s making a loving decision to give them the best possible life.

Through open adoption, you can maintain contact and watch them grow in the stable environment you chose.

If you’re considering adoption, connect with a counselor who can answer your questions without pressure.

How Adoption Works if You’re Not Ready to Parent

If you’re pregnant and can’t afford it and considering adoption, here’s the process:

  1. Contact an adoption agency. Licensed agencies like American Adoptions (1-800-ADOPTION) or Gladney Center for Adoption can answer your questions.
  2. Create an adoption plan. Decide what type of adoption you want (open, semi-open, or closed) and what matters most in an adoptive family.
  3. Choose the family. Review profiles of waiting families and select the one that feels right.
  4. Begin receiving financial assistance. Once you’re working with an agency, you can start receiving help with living expenses.
  5. Birth and placement. You control your birth plan. In Indiana, you can sign consent papers any time after birth, with 30 days to petition the court to withdraw if needed.
  6. Post-adoption support. Your specialist continues providing counseling, and you receive updates based on the openness level you chose.

Get confidential support to talk through whether adoption might be right for you.

Will I Regret Choosing Adoption Because I Couldn’t Afford to Parent?

This fear is real. Many women worry: “Will I hate myself for this?”

Here’s the truth: Adoption is hard. Grief is part of the journey, even when you know it’s the right decision. But regret and grief aren’t the same thing.

Regret often comes from feeling forced. Grief comes from making a loving, intentional choice that involves loss. If you choose adoption because it truly aligns with what you believe is best—not because someone pressured you—many women find peace alongside the grief.

Important realities to consider:

Financial strain doesn’t disappear after birth. The average cost of raising a child to age 18 is over $230,000. If you’re struggling now, parenting will likely increase that stress.

You’re not giving up because you’re weak. You’re making a proactive choice because you’re strong enough to acknowledge what your child needs.

Many birth mothers describe feeling proud of their choice. They see their children thriving and know they gave them that opportunity.

Open adoption allows ongoing connection. You don’t have to wonder—you can watch your child grow.

It’s okay to grieve what you wish could have been while feeling confident in your decision. Both feelings can coexist.

Pregnant and Can’t Afford It? Help Is Available in Indiana

If you’re pregnant and can’t afford the baby, and are exploring your options, support is available right now.

Talk to someone who understands what you’re going through. Get free, confidential counseling to discuss your situation without judgment. You can also learn about financial assistance options available during pregnancy.

If you’re weighing different pregnancy options, explore adoption information to make an informed choice. Additional resources about birth mother expenses, choosing adoption timing, abortion vs adoption, and finding adoptive families are available if you want to learn more. You’re not alone in this.

Financial hardship during pregnancy is stressful and scary, but it doesn’t have to dictate your decision. With the right information and support, you can make the choice that’s truly best for you and your baby—whatever that choice is.