Adoption Mess
Several people have critisized me for adopting an infant from a foreign country rather than trying to pursue a domestic open adoption. This story is another reason why foreign adoptions are popular.
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At three days old, Mark Huddleston's son was placed with a family who eventually adopted him. Huddleston learned of his son when the baby was two months old; he immediately pursued custody. The ensuing legal battle took took two years and the child is now 2-1/2. He may soon be ripped from the only parents he has known and given to a stranger.
Read the rest here....
posted by Sloanasaurus | 8/09/2006 12:35:00 PM
I wouldn't criticize you for a foreign adoption. I only skimmed the story you referenced, but it reinforces the argument that adopting parents must ensure both biological parents have signed away rights and that the adoption is airtight and closed.
I read the article and agree that it's a mess. But I agree with Scribbler also. Adopting a baby from any country into a stable home is a heroic act. It saves, or at least incredibly positively alters, that baby's life. Where is it written that babies born in the U.S. are more worthy of that saving?
I agree scribbler. I was not passing judgment on the issue of father's rights that is discussed int he story, I was only pointing out why it is an issue that is best avoid.
I think there should be some waiting period after a child is born with out an identified father. The hospital would be required to make a reasonable effort to locate the father or at least publish notice of the waiting period. Perhaps one month would be reasonable. The father would have one month to make a claim. After the month is over, the father has no more rights.
Harsh, I don't think charity is behind the adoption of most foreign infants. Most people adopt foreign infants or any infants for the same reason people have kids the natural way - to have a family. Maybe it's selfish, but is having kids a selfish act?
Sure, having kids is a selfish act. I feel better knowing that adopting a child is equally selfish.
It's been said that selfishness is a virtue. The most good is done in the world through selfishness. The marketplace couldn't operate without selfishness. But I digress, and this may be a separate post someday.
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