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House approves adoption-assistance package after extended debate over incentives and coercion
Summary
The House passed the Senate substitute to SB120, a package offering prenatal care, monthly payments and educational supports to encourage adoption; debate centered on whether incentives could coerce low-income mothers. The bill passed 59–5 and was returned for the president’s signature.
The Utah House on Feb. 27 passed the Senate substitute to Senate Bill 120, a proposal to create a state adoption-assistance program that provides prenatal care, food coupons, reimbursements for pregnancy-related expenses and up to $246 a month for up to 12 months to some birth mothers who choose adoption.
Sponsor Craig Altayner told the House the bill “offers her those incentives,” and said the program would add supports including job-readiness, education and housing assistance and Medicaid coverage for eligible women. He said the measure is designed to give pregnant single women an option they previously lacked.
Members probed whether the program could unintentionally coerce poor women into relinquishing their children. Representative Davis asked whether the bill would make the state “encourage them to give away their children to adoption,” noting particular concern about mothers on AFDC. Altayner and other backers repeatedly said the legislation is informational and voluntary. “All we’re doing is giving them an option,” the sponsor said; “there is nothing to coerce them into adoption.”
Representative Stevens, the Appropriations chair, explained the fiscal context. He said companion measures carry differing fiscal notes: the adoption-assistance substitution (SB120) yielded a net positive fiscal note when federal funds were included, while a related tax deduction bill (SB102) showed a negative general-fund impact. That mismatch led members to 'circle' SB102 for further work.
Several representatives and guests — including Nora Stevens and Jose Mortimer — spoke in favor, citing personal or constituent experience with adoption and foster care and urging the House to provide supports that could broaden options for young mothers. Critics reiterated cautions about the message to low-income mothers and the need for safeguards against coercion.
After extended questioning and explanation of eligibility (including AFDC rules and third-trimester qualifications), the House voted to pass the bill by 59 yes to 5 no. The measure will be returned for the president’s signature.
