Yes, it is both legal and customary, with some limitations and conditions. California law provides in Penal Code § 273, that it is legal to assist with a birth mother’s reasonable and necessary pregnancy-related living expenses, for the period of time that she is disabled or unemployable due to the pregnancy.
This payment of expenses must be made unconditionally and as an act of charity, otherwise, it could be considered buying the baby.
There are some subtle and difficult issues connected with the payment of birth mother living expenses, so be sure to talk to us about this prior to paying or committing to the payment of any expenses to or for a birth mother.