Can't Afford a Baby: Financial Fears and Real Resources

When you find out you’re unexpectedly pregnant, you likely have many questions; one of the biggest is how you will pay for everything. If you live in Elizabethtown, your first thought is probably about how much this new addition will cost. It is normal to feel overwhelmed if it doesn't seem like you have the resources to support a growing family.

We meet with many women each week who are struggling to decide whether to parent because of finances. You might be asking, "How will I afford my doctor's visit?" or "How can I buy diapers?" These are concerns people have when deciding whether to parent, and numbers do not take the place of what is important to you, your values, or the love you have for that child.

The Financial Reality of Pregnancy

The average financial cost for pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care in the United States for someone with insurance is approximately $18,865; the average cost for those without insurance or with high deductible plans will be even higher. Financial pressure is one of the most common reasons people feel they cannot choose to parent. Still, your finances do not have to be the only reason why you make the choice to be a parent.

Helping you find financial stability is a key part of how we relieve the immediate burden of an unexpected pregnancy. If you think that you might be pregnant and would like to confirm that pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test, we can provide these tests at no cost at Mercy House. No need to worry about co-pays or insurance claims. You can take our Pregnancy Test Quiz to help determine whether it's time to come in. After getting a positive test, most women will get a limited ultrasound. This is important because we want to confirm the pregnancy is viable and determine how far along you are. If you are considering the abortion pill as a lower-cost option, it is still important to have an ultrasound first. This is necessary to rule out an ectopic pregnancy, as this can be a life-threatening medical emergency. We provide these limited ultrasounds for free (either by supplying the service ourselves or referring you to an agency that performs them) so that you can see the factual medical information regarding your pregnancy before any additional medical funds are spent.

Long Term Considerations

Here at Mercy House, we will meet face-to-face with you to discuss your options through pregnancy options counseling. During this meeting, we will listen to your life goals and aspirations to help you find the resources you need within the Bladen County area. We will provide information and resources to help you explore your options: parenting, adoption, or abortion. After seeing the local resources available, many women find their perspective shifts from fear to a sense of having a manageable plan.

The expense of an infant goes far beyond the doctor's visit and delivery. Just the expense of diapers alone could be between $80 and $100 per month. That is why we provide material assistance after your baby is born. We provide the supplies you need, such as diapers, wipes, and bottles, and we also provide parenting classes to assist both moms and dads with hands-on training to help them with the practical side of caring for a child. We also offer specific resources for men to help them learn how to best support the mother and child during and after the pregnancy.

There are several programs available in North Carolina for women who are pregnant and experiencing financial difficulties. We have established connections to agencies throughout Bladen County and can help you find services like WIC, Medicaid, and local food pantries without you having to search on your own. Our staff knows the local area well and will give you the names of agencies you would be able to use.

Making a decision about an unplanned pregnancy is one of the most significant decisions of your life. You must gather as much information as possible so you can make a decision with a full understanding of the support available to you. Let us help you gather the actual numbers and the real resources available to you. You might have more options than you think, because fear is a loud but often unreliable guide.

Are you ready to talk? Feel free to call us at Mercy House at (910) 247-6303. Our office is located at 501 Doctors Drive, Elizabethtown, NC 28337. We will be available to help you on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.