Adoption: The Right Choice For Many Wanting A Child

In December of 2000, I was diagnosed with stage one cervical cancer. Soon after, I underwent surgery to remove the tumor, a process that would render me barren. Family and friends were upset by the fact I would no longer be able to have children naturally. I however, was truly at peace with my condition. You see, after being blessed with the birth of my biological daughter in 1995, adopting a less fortunate individual became my commitment. Adopting is not only a benefit to society, but proves to be a viable option for many of those who want a child.

According to the National Data Analysis System in conjunction with the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA, in 2003 over 120,000 children needed to be adopted. The economical and social ramifications of this situation are staggering. In 2002, the federal government spent approximately $4.5 billion on the foster care system; this is a 22% increase from 1998 (Green Book, 2000). This amount does not even include the public assistance that 32% of those formerly served by foster care are taking advantage of (CWLA, 1999)

About 20,000 juveniles "age out" of foster care annually. This means they've reached 18, or have been emancipated and are forced to leave the system. At age 18 the government views these youths as legal and therefore mature enough to fend for themselves. However, without a traditional family support system, the majority of these adolescents do not have the skills required for a successful life. Social outcomes are bleak for these children who have grown up in foster care according to a study conducted at the University of Chicago by The Chapin Hall for Children. Both genders experienced problems with the law, about 67% of males and 50 % of

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females had been either incarcerated or convicted of a crime. Substance abuse was also far more prevalent at a rate of three times greater than the national average (National Family Preservation Network, 2004). What can we, as human adults, do to improve the situation?

For most human adults, becoming a parent is a significant aspiration (Daniluk & Hurtig-Mitchell, 2003). This goal, if not met, can result in strong feelings of inadequacy and/or disconnect from the rest the child-bearing community. That is why adoption is a worthwhile consideration for those many who want a child. These would include heterosexual couples like Connie Chung and Maury Povich, gay/lesbian couples like Rosie O'Donnell and Kelli Carpenter as well as single people like Angelina Jolie who said, "Maddox is my baby...I can no more imagine living without him, than not breathing." (American Adoptions).

Nearly 17% of male/female couples are afflicted with infertility (Daniluk & Hurtig-Mitchell, 2003). Many of these couples choose in vitro fertilization (IVF) as a way to become pregnant. This may not always prove to be the most prudent solution. In many cases, the cost incurred is disproportionate to the value. IVF treatments prove to be effective only 35% of the time, not a great return on your $40,000 investment (Wilcox, 2002). Beyond the financial aspect, there are other drawbacks to be considered. The low success rate and length of time for the treatments can cause people to become emotionally and physically drained. The threat of becoming pregnant and then miscarrying mid-term is ever present. Unplanned multiple births can be very costly and bring stress to couples. These babies can be susceptible to low-birth weights or worse yet any number of defects.

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How about those who want a large family and are fortunate enough to conceive? Should they be civically minded and adopt? Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, Tommy

G. Thompson said, "Our nation has a responsibility to ensure that all children find a permanent home that provides the support they need to realize their full potential" (ACF Message, 2004). It is true; there is no other experience that can equal being pregnant and bringing another human life into this world. But that is not the only way to create a big, loving, happy, family.

Stefanie and Jon already had two-school aged children. But their family didn't feel complete. "We just needed a couple more," says Stefanie. "And we didn't want infants." They knew there were children out there waiting for families. They began to search for children. The couple enlisted the help of their two children. "I wanted them to be involved since they are older. They actually helped find their brother and sister." Aliayh and Marcellus's adoption was finalized in November, 2002 - on National Adoption Day. The best