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Something I continue to hear that is a major problem in adoption is money surrounding adoption and the cost of it. Which I do agree that there needs to be a cap of cost of the things surrounding adoption but when I hear statements like; “Money has to be removed from adoption to remove the corruption. That adoption is a business of profit, etc.” this is part of the problem. I do agree with these statements to a point but you also have to look at the realistic picture of the situation for everyone involved (yes, even the businesses).
The truth is that money will always be involved in adoption with home studies, agencies have to pay caseworkers, counselors, other employees, court cost, attorneys, physicals, travel cost, etc. But the individuals that make their entire business profiting from adoption there should have a cap on what they charge for their fees.
As an adoptee, one part of the money situation that has always bothered me is when some birth mother gains monies, or other things for placing their babies up for adoption. I do understand that this is not the case for all birth mothers. The thought that my birth mother would have gained monies for education, housing, daily living expenses, etc. from giving me up is in my mind selling me.
Yes, if a birth mother does not have insurance or unable to get assistance for medical then the adoptive should be able to cover the expenses for the birth of the child they adopt. With all the other expenses, the birth mother was able to cover the cost of daily living before the adoptive parents were in the picture so, why should that change. Yes, there are situations that the birth mothers are unable to work because of difficult pregnancies these cases should be handled differently. Agencies should be required to first try to get the birth mothers assistance for their needs whether it is medical, housing, etc. through government programs or other non profit agencies. There is not a benefit to have these mothers dependent on couples seeking to adopt a child.
More reading:
Can Adoption Reform Happen with Everyone on Different Sides?
The enormous costs associated with adoption have little to do with monies provided to relinquishing mothers, but with unregulated fees charged by practitioners. In many states anyone can “facilitate” an adoption, without licensing or qualification, and they may charge what the market allows. And that’s the core issue, can adoption be market-driven and still maintain that it serves the best interest of children in need of families.
I would be interested in statistical data revealing how much of the cost of adoptions actually goes to relinquishing mothers. I’d be willing to bet, not much.
May im an idealist, but I always thought that money was only second and love was first. My adoptive parents are my parents, not because of money but for the pure joy,is’nt that norma??