by Tablet Staff

PROSPECT HEIGHTS — Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration has put a stop to a state policy that limited the financial support adoptive families can give birth mothers in New York and out of state.

In early January, the state’s Office of Children and Family Services said birth mothers can only receive financial help from the state 60 days before the baby is born and 30 days after birth, which opponents have said is one of the most restrictive measures for adoption. 

But in a March 13 letter, the state’s agency rescinded this order.

Samantha Siddiqui, executive director of the New York Adoption Coalition, told the New York Post that this change was a good start but that state leaders should approve a more sweeping adoption-friendly law.

“New York is not adoption friendly,” she said.

When the policy was initially announced, Dennis Poust, executive director of the New York state Catholic Conference, said the state was “encouraging women from other states to get abortions here but discouraging pregnant women from other states to provide loving homes for their babies right here in New York.” 

He said this barrier to adoption was frustrating and hoped the governor would find a solution.

 In a statement to The Tablet, he said the New York Catholic Conference had recently praised Hochul for increasing funding for adoption services and prioritizing prenatal, postpartum, and maternal health in her upcoming state budget proposal.

“We hope she will look at this situation and propose remedies where needed,” he said, adding that “families who want to adopt and pregnant women who want to give the gift of love should have all the help they deserve from New York state.”