What are some issues that are still going on with adoption?

Fifi H.

Sealed records is a huge issue. Lack of access to an honest (original) birth certificate is a life-long problem for adoptees, so it's a human rights and a civil rights issue. The practice of sealing records tells adoptees they do not have the same rights as other citizens and keeps them as virtual children even after they reach adulthood. Everyone else is entitled to know their history, heritage and stories of origin, EXCEPT adoptees. It's an outrageous infringement of their rights.

The way adoption is portrayed in the media and popular culture is pretty dumbed-down and simplistic, only portraying the story from the perspective of those who profit, in some way, by adoption (NOT the adoptee!). A recent example would be the movie "Juno."

Human trafficking is an ongoing adoption issue.

Lack of respect or interest in the adopted child's true identity and heritage, which has the effect of diminishing an adoptee's self-esteem.

Deceiving potential adoptive parents into believing they can pretend an adopted child is "theirs."

Coercion by profiteers (agencies, agents, PAPs, churches, others) who try and brainwash natural mothers into relinquishing babies/children instead of providing education and services that would allow her to keep and raise the child herself.

Adoption was originally intended to be in the best interest of the child. Instead, the laws, policies and cultural imperatives have turned it into being in the best interest of the parents, usually the adoptive parents, all at the expense of the child's health and well being.

Gershom

Child trafficking, stolen children, forced surrenders, sealed records.

Cam

Definitely sealed records is the biggest injustice.

Torrejon

You've already gotten some good answers about some very important issues. However, one issue that has not been mentioned yet is the trivialization of adoption that seems to become more and more prevalent every day. Just recently, I have seen t-shirts for sale on Maternity Clothing websites that trivialize adoption. I have seen advertising for two popular movies (that I refuse to see) that trivialize the experience of adoption and the human lives that it affects. I see too much "Oh, get over it" advice offered to those affected by adoption on day-time tv.

Heather B

Stigma is still rife

a healing adoptee

to me it's sealed records and international adoption. There needs to be stricter guidelines for adoption agencys and adoptive parents that wish to adopt outside the U.S because there is a higher chance of fraud happening w/ international adoptions.

Still Me

That even with the resources of this day and age, so many women find it necessary to place their children for adoption rather than parent them.

That so many parents neglect or abuse their children who then languish and grow up in the foster care system, never making it to adoption.

That children who were adopted do not equal access to their original birth certificate in every state.

That adopted children, birthmothers, and adoptive parents are mostly portrayed as either saints or almost criminals in the media.

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