The Blessing of Adoption: Bridging the Gap

“I will stand to the side … and be her biggest supporter. And on the days when I feel as if I’m falling apart without her, I will remember I am strong … I am proud … I am a Birth Mom.”

This is the heart’s cry of a young woman named Lydia who placed her daughter for an “open” adoption where she could stay connected with the adoptive family. As a 23 year old college student, Lydia knew she could not give her baby the kind of life she deserved. So, Lydia made the most loving, courageous choice a mother could make; she chose life and she chose the family who would care for her daughter.

There has been a cultural shift in attitudes toward adoption in recent years. Today, there exists a gap in understanding created by the stigma attached to adoption. A recent survey of birth mothers indicates various sources of this stigma; relatives 36.4%, parents 34%, friends 33.9% and healthcare workers 31.7%. We have even heard girls say, “I would rather abort because giving my baby up means I am a bad mother.” What a tragic belief.

Starting Point is committed to overcoming this gap of understanding. Many are surprised to learn that well known celebrities like Jamie Foxx, Steve Jobs, Kristin Chenoweth and Faith Hill are all adopted!!! Our staff and volunteers work to encourage and educate young birth moms and dad, not only on a variety of adoption choices available, such as open, partially open and confidential, but also on their own true meaning, value and purpose.

A study by Adoption USA shows that young pregnant women, like Lydia, who make an adoption plan are more likely than single parents to finish school, have better jobs and overall report a high level of satisfaction with their adoption decision. In a recent update, Lydia reported that, “in just 13 days, she will be in my arms again … her mom is bringing her back to my state to celebrate my graduation from nursing school!” To read more of Lydia’s story visit bravelove.org/lydias_update.