Through Adopted Hearts: A Collection of Memoirs From Birth and Adoptive Parents

by Elena S. Hall

I think we should rescue animals and save the term adoption for humans.

Terminology is important and the misuse of adoption language is one reason why explaining adoption is already so difficult.

there is ALWAYS heartache, trauma, abuse, and neglect right on the other side of the door. But

Statistics show over eighty percent of women who place their children for adoption develop depression. Many suffer from secondary infertility and birthmothers are more likely to commit suicide.

Adoption workers and adoptive parents need to love and support birthparents. Professional help needs to be made readily available for birthparents and their families. Adoption does not come without trauma and the specific trauma that comes with adoption needs to be addressed.

“Adoption is about the and.” It is both hard and a gift. It is selfless and selfish. It is light and dark. It is life and loss.

“A child born to another woman calls me mom. The depth of the tragedy and the magnitude of the privilege are not lost on me.” (Jody Landers)