For Birth Mothers · Educational Resource
Pregnancy-Related Living Expenses as Allowed by Utah Law
This page describes what Utah law permits for pregnancy-related living expense support for birth mothers. Actual support in any given case is determined with your counselor, subject to case-by-case review under the Utah Adoption Act (H.B. 51, 2026).
This page is educational, not an offer, not a promise, and not legal or financial advice.
What Utah Law Permits
Under H.B. 51 (2026), Utah sets specific limits on birth mother financial support. These amounts describe the statutory framework , actual support in any case is determined by counselor review and, where required, Consortium approval.
| Category | Statutory Framework |
|---|---|
| Total living expense support | Subject to statutory limits under Utah law. Applied case by case |
| Weekly allowance | Utah sets weekly limits for both the birth mother and a directly affected person. Specifics are determined on a case-by-case basis |
| Duration, during pregnancy | Up to the period permitted by Utah law |
| Duration, postpartum | Up to the period permitted by Utah law |
| Mental health therapy | Counseling and adoption-competent mental health sessions offered before and after placement, as allowed by state law |
| Payment method | Direct-to-provider wherever possible. Lump-sum payments to birth mothers are not how support is provided |
What Support Typically Covers
Where approved under Utah law, support may include:
- ●Housing support during pregnancy and early postpartum
- ●Medical care not otherwise covered by Medicaid or insurance
- ●Transportation to medical appointments
- ●Counseling and mental-health support
- ●Maternity clothing and essentials
- ●Independent legal counsel to represent your interests
All items are subject to Utah's statutory caps and case-by-case review.
For Out-of-State Birth Mothers
If you live outside Utah and consider working with A Act of Love, the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) applies. Under H.B. 51, we also verify your home-state Medicaid coverage before any travel to Utah, and provide a guaranteed return-transport offer of the same mode and quality, regardless of your adoption decision.
Minors (under 18) cannot be transported to or arranged for travel to Utah under current Utah law.
Have Questions About Your Specific Situation?
Every situation is different. A counselor can walk you through what Utah law permits for your case, free and confidential.
Common Questions
Living Expenses FAQ
Do birth mothers pay anything to place a baby for adoption?+
No. All adoption services, counseling, legal counsel, medical coordination, and approved living expense support are provided at no cost to the birth mother, as allowed by state law.
How is living expense support paid out?+
Whenever possible, payments are made directly to service providers, landlords, utilities, medical providers, rather than as lump sums to the birth mother.
What if my expenses feel larger than Utah's typical limits?+
Utah law sets specific statutory limits on living expense support, and Utah has a Consortium process an agency can use to request a review of unusual or documented needs. Specifics depend on your situation. A free, confidential consultation is the best way to walk through what may be possible.
How long does support continue after birth?+
Utah law sets limits on how long postpartum support can continue. Specifics are determined case by case.
What if I decide not to place my baby for adoption, do I owe the agency money?+
No. If you choose to parent, you are not required to repay living expense support received in good faith. If you traveled to Utah from another state, we also provide return transportation of the same mode and quality, per H.B. 51.