I’m Pregnant and Can’t Afford It in Montana [Get Financial Help]

Finding out you’re pregnant when money is already tight can feel overwhelming. Between rent, groceries, utilities and other everyday expenses, the thought of adding a baby to the equation might seem impossible.

If you’re pregnant and can’t afford it, you don’t have to figure everything out by yourself. This guide walks you through your options, the financial support available in Montana and what you need to know if you’re considering adoption. No matter your situation, you can get free information to help you make an informed decision.

I’m Pregnant and Can’t Afford the Baby — Where Do I Start?

If you’re pregnant and broke, the first thing to know is that you have time to think through your options. You don’t need to rush into any decision. Here are some good places to start:

• Visit a healthcare provider to confirm your pregnancy and start receiving care.
• Talk with a counselor about your situation and how you’re feeling.
• Call 1-800-236-7846 to learn about your unplanned pregnancy options and figure out what comes next.

What Are My Unplanned Pregnancy Options if I’m Broke?

If you can’t afford a baby, you have three options: parenting, abortion or adoption. Each path looks different financially.

Parenting: Raising a child in Montana costs approximately $21,864 per year, according to LendingTree. Childcare alone averages around $11,700 annually. However, many state and federal programs can help reduce these costs if you choose to parent.

Abortion: Abortion costs vary depending on the type of procedure and how far along you are. Medication abortion typically costs around $580, while in-clinic procedures range from $800 to $2,000. Some clinics offer payment plans or financial assistance through organizations like the Montana Abortion Access Program.

Adoption: Adoption is always free for expectant parents. In fact, you may be eligible for financial assistance with medical bills, legal costs and living expenses during your pregnancy, including rent, utilities, groceries and transportation. You can choose a bright future for your baby while still getting the support you need.

Parenting Resources for Low-Income Families in Montana

If you want to parent but are worried you can’t afford it, know that help for pregnant women with no money exists in Montana. Many programs are designed specifically to support families like yours — you just need to know where to look.

Pregnancy and Birth Support Programs

• When you’re pregnant, Medicaid covers prenatal care, labor, delivery and up to 12 months of care after birth. Pregnant women with household income up to 157% of the federal poverty level qualify.
• Healthy Montana Families offers free home visiting services for pregnant women and families with young children. Trained professionals provide prenatal education, parenting support and help connecting to resources.

Parenting Programs and Baby Supplies

• Family Promise of Yellowstone Valley has a diaper bank that clients can visit twice a month.
• Parents as Teachers provides free home visits and parenting education for families from pregnancy through kindergarten entry.
• Crisis pregnancy centers like ZoeCare and New Hope Clinic often offer free diapers, formula, clothing and baby gear. While these centers provide practical support, be aware that most only promote parenting or adoption.

Breastfeeding Support and Postpartum Help

• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides free nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthy food and referrals to healthcare for pregnant women, new mothers and children under age five.
• Many Montana hospitals offer free breastfeeding classes and support groups for new parents. Call your local healthcare provider to learn what they offer.

Childcare and Early Learning Resources

• The Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship program helps low-income working families pay for childcare and connects families to quality childcare options and resources throughout the state.
• Head Start and Early Head Start provide free, comprehensive early childhood education and family support services.

Financial Assistance Programs for Pregnant Women With No Money in Montana

Montana offers several programs that provide help for pregnant women with no money. Here’s what’s available:

• Montana Medicaid covers pregnancy-related care if you meet income guidelines. If you’re pregnant with no insurance, you can get help by applying online or calling 1-800-318-2596.
• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) offers nutritious foods, infant formula, nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support.
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) offers cash assistance for families with children to help cover basic living expenses like rent, utilities and other necessities.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly benefits for groceries. Pregnant women may qualify for SNAP even if they don’t have children yet.
• The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP), commonly called Section 8, helps low-income families afford safe housing.
• The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay heating bills during Montana’s cold winters.
• The Weatherization Assistance Program can make your home more energy-efficient, lowering utility costs year-round.
• Emergency Solutions Grant services provide help with rent, utilities and other emergency needs.
• Planned Parenthood provides reproductive healthcare, prenatal care, STI testing, birth control and pregnancy care. They accept Medicaid and offer sliding-scale fees based on income.
• RiverStone Health provides affordable primary care, prenatal services and family health services. They offer care regardless of ability to pay.
• Partnership Health Center is a federally qualified health center offering primary medical care, dental services and behavioral health. They use a sliding-scale fee based on income and accept patients with or without insurance.
• Alluvion Health offers comprehensive medical, dental and behavioral health services. As a federally qualified health center, they accept most insurance and offer sliding-scale fees based on family size and income.

Adoption Is Free — Here’s What Support You Can Receive While Pregnant

Wondering how much it costs to place a baby for adoption? The answer is nothing. Adoption is free for expectant mothers. In fact, you can give your baby up for adoption if you’re poor and receive financial support during your pregnancy. This includes:

• Medical care (prenatal and postnatal, including outpatient mental health services)
• Counseling services (up to 10 hours total of adoption decision and post-adoption counseling, plus up to 15 mental health sessions during pregnancy and for five years after birth)
• Temporary living costs for rent and utilities
• Travel expenses to appointments
• Legal fees for your representation
• Other reasonable adoption-related costs

Montana law doesn’t allow payments for things like education, vehicles, salaries, vacations, or permanent housing. All assistance must be transparent and legal, with expenses paid directly to service providers or reimbursed to you.

Will I Regret Choosing Adoption for Financial Reasons?

It’s normal to worry about regret when you’re pregnant and can’t afford the baby. But remember: Your circumstances don’t define your worth, and choosing adoption for financial reasons doesn’t mean you love your baby any less.

Many women who make adoption plans do so because they want their child to have opportunities they can’t provide right now. That’s not failure — that’s love in action.

You might grieve what could have been, and that’s okay. Grief doesn’t always mean regret. Talking with a counselor can help you process these feelings and make the choice that feels right for you.

Pregnant and Can’t Afford It? Montana Resources Are Here to Help

Financial stress doesn’t have to determine your path forward. Whether you choose to parent with support, consider abortion or explore adoption, there is help available if you’re pregnant and alone.

You deserve accurate information, compassionate support and respect for whatever decision you make. If you have questions about adoption or want to explore your options, fill out our form to connect with someone who can help. There’s no pressure — just honest answers and support for whatever you need.