Does Adoption Promote Truth, Transparency, & The Right to Identity? No, It Doesn’t
The Human Rights Dimensions of Adoption
Adoption is a profound and life-altering experience for all parties involved—the adopted person, the original parents, and the people who want to adopt. It’s a topic that evokes strong emotions, and discussions often revolve around the ethical considerations that underlie this complex process. This blog aims to shed light on the importance of respecting the human rights of all individuals rather than the “right to adopt” and the ethical considerations that should be at the forefront of adoption discussions.
1. Consent and Informed Choices of the Adopted Person:
Was the adopted person given the choice of adoption, or was it forced on them? Adopted individuals should have the opportunity to understand and decide on the direction of their life story. It’s essential to gain permission from the adopted person before the adoption because adoption will drastically change that person’s life, and given the information, their ties to their biological roots will be severed if they choose to go ahead with the transaction. Transparency and open communication are key in adoption, allowing adoptees to make informed life choices. Oftentimes, adoption crosses boundaries that violate the safety and human rights of the adopted person.
2. Acknowledging the Realities of Vulnerable Parents:
Adoption Profiteers often approach vulnerable parents facing difficult situations. Do they approach with empathy and compassion? Adoption Profiteers are known to use coercion and grooming tactics to influence the mothers into adoption in an attempt to keep the fathers from knowing about the child so the transaction can be completed conflict-free. (Conquer and divide method). Is this in the best interest of children? With the added societal pressures, economic factors, or other influences, the hope is that the parents make their decisions voluntarily and even choose the adopting parents. This creates a coercive system of ‘family building’ for the paying customer in an attempt to leave out the family wanting to keep their children.
3. Biological, Ethnicity, and the Right to Identity:
Adoption frequently involves children raised in families with different biological, racial, or ethnic backgrounds. This can present unique challenges. Adoptive parents and agencies should prioritize biological and ethnic sensitivity and work to prevent separating children from their heritage and ancestry. This helps the person develop healthy, with a strong sense of identity and belonging that is true to oneself and is an inherent and powerful human right.
4. The Long-Term Well-being of Adopted Individuals:
Adopted individuals often face unique challenges and experiences that differ from those of non-adopted individuals. Being empathetic and understanding of their emotional and psychological well-being throughout their lives is crucial. This includes access to resources, support networks, and a safe space to discuss their feelings and experiences.
5. The Importance of Understanding the Tactics of Open Adoption:
Open adoption arrangements, where birth parents maintain some level of contact with the adopted child, are beneficial for all parties involved. Openness in adoption allows for better understanding, emotional support, and a more complete understanding of one’s identity.
Conclusion:
Respecting human rights surrounding adoption should be at the forefront and respected. At the core of these considerations is the importance of respecting adopted individuals’ rights, choices, and experiences. While adoption is often seen as a positive act, it is crucial to approach the adopted person with empathy, transparency, and a commitment to start asking people if they want to be adopted. Ultimately, giving the individuals a choice of adoption after the adopted person reaches the legal age should be the top priority, and their voices should be heard throughout the adoption journey. Let’s start asking if people want to be adopted, and if they can’t answer, maybe it’s because they are too young.
