What are allowable and appropriate expenses of Birthmothers which may be paid or reimbursed under California law?
California law provides that it is a crime to condition the placement of a child for adoption on the payment of money. California does not make it unlawful to pay maternity connected medical expenses or necessary living expenses of the birthmother during the pregnancy and post-birth recovery periods. Typically prenatal support is limited to the last 3 months of pregnancy and post-birth support is limited to 2 to 6 weeks after delivery in a normal case, or 4 to 11 weeks after delivery in the case of a caesarean delivery. Allowable expenses under California law include medical expenses and may also include maternity clothing, as well as assistance with housing, food and transportation costs in appropriate cases.
