[adoptionblessings]

Hi- I have heard in recent years that U.S. young girls/young women in crisis pregnancies were chosing to parent or chosing abortion, not adoption. And I have seen the media and talk shows confirm that reality more and more. But I was shocked yesterday when I went to a Valentines tea at our Chicagoland suburbs women's bible study where the director of a new Care Net, Crisis Pregnancy center spoke. She shared wonderful statistics that of all the girls/ women who had entered their facility since last May when they opened, 200 babies were born. I was thrilled to hear that good news and it showed that abortion was not a choice of all these woman! At the end of the program they had a question and answer time. I asked this question "Out of the 200 babies that were born, how many were placed for adoption?" The answer was 1 out of the 200 babies was adopted!!!! I am very pleased for the services that Care Net and other pro-life organizations are offering, counseling, services,parenting classes, resources, support and food/formula and supplies so that woman get the help they need in crisis times. And I am thrilled to see so many women feeling empowered to parent with supports in place. But as an adoptee who had a wonderful adoption experience, I find it hard to believe that ALL these babies will find a secure emotional/physical and spiritual environment being raised by a single parent, and in MANY instances very young mothers. Was this the BEST choice for the child in all these situations 199 cases?The BABY is ALWAYS the 1st priority and the needs the most stable/loving emotional environment) When I was adopted in the 1950's, it was taboo and unheard of for most unwed moms to keep their babies and many were forced into adoption against their heart or any discussions on the matter. And this was terribly wrong and the scales weighed so so heavy against the women's personal decision. But the trend seems to be topping the scales on the other side where almost NO ONE chooses adoption. I know MANY wonderful adopted persons and adoptive families that are a blessing. I could sound here like I frown on young mothers parenting- that is NOT the case- for I have seen some wonderful families where supports are in place and things are positive. BUT, would that be true in all 199 of these 200 girls keeping their babies????
Are we adoptees, birth parents and adoptive parents who have chosen adoption and are pleased and blessed failing to share our testimonies of adoption for the world to hear??? What message are young girls hearing about adoption as being ALL BAD or that they are BAD for not keeping their flesh and blood?? As those touched by adoption we should not share false reports of "perfect families" in adoption. There are NO perfect families-biological or adoptive. But adoption is a BEAUTIFUL option for many- infants who need a family, for birth parents who chose not to parent for they lack support or they truly feel emotionally/physically/financially or spiritually unequipped to be ready to parent a baby, and for couples who long for a baby and cannot have one biologically.
Would love some feedback and I am sure we will not all tend to agree, but appreciate grace and caring as we share our own views!
From an adoptee truly blessed to have been adopted!!
Jody