Adoption. . . A Loving Option

By Paula Huntington

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November is National Adoption month. Our challenge to individuals and organizations is to promote adoption in some way during that month, and year round as well. The vast majority of birthparents who are experiencing a crisis pregnancy do not decide to parent their child, choosing abortion over adoption. In their words, "adoption is seen as bad … as throwing or giving their child away." This was the consistent message our agency heard in contacting all the Crisis Pregnancy Centers in the state of Ohio, women’s health clinics, abortion centers, Birthright, and numerous others involved in crisis pregnancies.

It has been estimated that at least one in four pregnancies ends in abortion. Not only is the life of the child effected in the abortion issue; so is the woman’s. But little is done regarding the long-term effects on women who chose to abort. Several women have opened up to us as an agency, saying they wish they would have had the support years back when they chose to abort; what appeared to be a "quick fix" at the time had turned into a lifetime burden.

A factor that contributes to abortion, as well as to the number of children in foster care placement, is society’s label, "unadoptable," placed on many children because of their age, race, culture, or disability.

An estimated 15,000 kids turn 18 each year while still in foster care. More than 100,000 children in the public child welfare system are waiting for homes and families. At least 13 percent of all women choose abortion thinking no one would want their unborn child because she or he may suffer from some mental or physical disability (Alan Guttmacher Institute research).

"The psychology of adoption is filled with wonderful possibilities and frightening perils. No amount of financial security can completely remove the scars of poverty from which our children come. No level of emotional stability can be unmoved by the fear and mistrust that abandonment brings. No appeals to traditional ties of blood and heritage can forge a family out of a group of people who are so different. Only love and faith and hard work can give us any hope of accomplishing our goal of raising happy and healthy children. When we pray (and that will be often), we will pray to Our Father. Our belief that He is Our Father erases the differences between us. If He is Our Father, none of us is "illegitimate," no one is "abandoned," and we are truly one family. ……" This passage was written by one of our adoptive mothers, during the home study process, and is being used with her permission. This family has successfully adopted four children who some may have labeled as "unadoptable" or "hard to place."

If you are an employer, are you "adoption friendly" in regard to adoption leave and benefits? If you are in a crisis pregnancy, or know of someone who is, have you looked into adoption? As a professional who works with people in crisis pregnancies, do you help them explore adoption as a loving option?

If you are a pastor, we encourage you to use adoption as a sermon topic during November. Adoption is frequently mentioned in the Bible; the story of Moses is a start. This shows the love given by both the birth family and the adoptive family, as should be remembered in all adoptions.

Caring Hearts Adoption Agency Inc. is a private, nonprofit Private Child Placement Agency (PCPA), which means the agency can take custody of children as well as place them in foster or adoptive homes. It is the first private adoption agency ever licensed in Darke County, Ohio. It was initiated by social worker and adoption assessor, Paula Huntington, who had done over 100 home studies for adoptions through Darke County Probate Court; attorney Julie Monnin, who had done the legal work on numerous adoptions; along with the support of several adoptive families who saw the need for an adoption agency in the area. The State of Ohio licensed caring Hearts Adoption Agency in October 2000. The agency works with birth families free of charge to help them determine if they are able to parent their child, and if not, to assist them with an adoption plan. The focus is always the best interest of the child.

Because You Care…..please help promote adoption as a loving option and a loving way to expand a family..

Paula Huntington, LSW/Adoption Assessor, is the Executive Director of Caring Hearts Adoption Agency Inc. She is a member of Palestine Church of Christ.

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