Adoption Books

As someone who was closely connected to the events detailed in Adoption Politics: Bastard Nation & Ballot Initiative 58, I was very happy to see that Professor Carp has changed his position on open records for adult adoptees since his Family Matters, in which he advocated mutual consent registries as the most equitable solution to the contentious issue of adoptee access to adoption and birth records. Here he clearly comes out for open records for those to whom they pertain, the adult adoptee.

In his introduction to Adoption Politics, Carp says: "In blending adopted adults' access to their original birth certificates with a protection for the birth mothers' right to privacy through a contact preference form (without legal penalties for violation), Measure 58 should be viewed as a model piece of legislation for other states to emulate." (p. 3-4)

And in the conclusion: "It [a coalition of adoption activists, adoption agencies and social workers] would not only confirm that a new age is dawning, but also that this new age makes it imperative to give adult adoptees access to their original birth certificates. It would be a clarion call that in the world of adoption it is time to look with fresh eyes at an old institution." (p. 169)

I do have to disagree with several points, though, such as the following in the conclusion: "But to achieve this goal nationwide, Bastard Nation and its supporters must free themselves of ideological blinders and recognize that adoption agencies do not constitute a single, monolithic 'adoption industry.' They must recognize that, either out of altruism or self-interest, the majority of adoption agencies support openness in adoption, including open records. ... The NCFA [National Council for Adoption]...will become increasingly isolated." (p.168)

I think BN does recognize that. The "adoption industry" usage was appropriate political rhetoric for our ballot initiative campaign in Oregon. On the other hand, in California, for example, many adoption agencies joined the CA Open Coalition in its legislative push for open records for adult adoptees, at BN's urging. One has to recognize that the neutrality of Oregon's Right to Life and Catholic Charities was extremely fortunate and unusual, and not something BN can count on elsewhere. In many states Catholic Charities is one of our biggest foes.

I was dismayed by the imputation of anti-birth mother sentiment to BN as a whole on p. 109 ("BN's dislike of birth mothers"), explained by the fact that "some adopted adults harbored resentment toward their birth mothers, whom they viewed as having callously abandoned them." I can't argue that some adoptees didn't/don't feel that way, but it was unjust to tar the organization as a whole with that sentiment. Nothing in Bastard Nation's policy, strategy or tactics reflects such a bias.

In regard to his discussion of the controversial use of the term "birth whore": the book states that "e-mail messages from Bastard Nation members ... that frequently referred to birth mothers as 'birth whores'" were found on the unmoderated Usenet newsgroup, alt.adoption, by members of the Boys and Girls Aid Society of Oregon, which opposed Measure 58. (p. 86) Carp does say in a footnote that this term wasn't used on BEST (BN's internal e-mail listserv) or in BN publications or in public during the campaign (can you imagine?!), and that the organization wasn't a home for "virulent anti-birth mother beliefs," having several respected birth mothers as members, but he doesn't put those many messages on alt.adoption into any kind of context. (p. 194-195) Only one person used that term seriously, and she wasn't a Bastard Nation member for long. The vast majority of posts were from BN members and others who objected to her use of that term, and several were posts in which BN birth mothers themselves used the term as a joke, as in someone's calling herself the leader of Birth Whore Nation. It is really too bad that this kind of misinterpretation has found its way into this book since one of the points we've always tried to make is that the struggle for open records isn't one of adoptees vs. birth mothers, but of all of us (enlightened adoptive parents as well) against the dinosaur faction of the industry as represented most strongly by the NCFA.

On the whole, though, very well done! The roller coaster excitement of those days was vividly brought back to me, the feeling of making history in adoption reform. The case on both sides is fairly presented, and the legal explanations are exceptionally lucid. (...)

I initially found this book in our local library in early 1994. I then ordered a copy of my very own so that I could write notes in the edges and make notations in the margins. I used this book to find agencies that had parameters that we were looking for: location, price for adoption services(we are not rich), and average waiting times. I mailed many of the agencies in the book and we recieved many, many referrals. One of them lead to the adoption of our daughter in October 1994. She is now eight, and the joy of our lives. My only regret is that there has been no updated version of this book as we are tring to adopt another child and updated information would be sooooo helpful.

this item was actually ordered thru the publisher's website but I wanted to make this info known to all. As a new adoptive mom as well as an adoption professional (for the past 11 years) this is one of the best adoption items I have run across. I highly recommend it to all adoptive parents and you don't have to be an experienced scrapbooker. This book and the transparencies are easy to use and make a wonderful book to share the adoption story with your little one. You will love this book!!

I was adopted from Souel, Korea. My biological father is an American and my mother is Korean. So many children were left behind, overseas, by their American father`s, at this point the children had no idea where to turn. Years later the children eventually were adopted by someone with a big heart. We, the children, still have that void in our life wanting to know who we are, but there is not alot of information left for us half breeds.

An informative "must read" for families considering any form of adoption as a means to building a family. Includes detailed information and positive affirmations to those embarking on the often tempestuous journey toward adoption.

Although there are many books that document the search and reunion process, this book revisits those involved in the adoption triangle, at least 10 years after reunion, through a comprehensive questionnaire and review. The statistics are there, but the qualitative insights and stories make the reading experience enriching and sympathetic. The comparative viewpoints from the diads and the triads (2 or 3 members of the same adoption triangle) make fascinating reading. The summary at each section under review relates the findings to known psychology of adoption and pulls the whole set of stories into perspective. Worthwhile new insights here.

The best selling Good to many prevailing beliefs about how business should be conducted studied large publicly held companies that were able to at least triple the value of their stock in comparison to their peer group and maintain this advantage for at least 15 years. There is nothing 'from the gut' in this well researched book.

Anyone interested in the issue of adoption should read this book. It is the best analysis of the Western notion of adoption that exists on the market. Pricy, yes, but this should be a must-read for any university level social work program. It needs to be reprinted and used as a textbook and required reading.

This book is wonderful. Karen Ivano lets you into her most personal thoughts and prayers about becoming a mother through adoption. She really focuses on all of the different roller coaster emotions involved, and all the joys and trials, and how she got through it all. This book is a must for anyone considering adoption!

Dave, you and I were very close friends throughout our late teens and 20's - more like an extended family. We lived through many of the experiences you describe early in the book. With both our lives becoming more complicated in our 30's, I regret how we grew apart. The moment you introduced me to Carol was the instant I knew all the hopes and dreams you sacricificed for and worked so hard to attain were finaly coming true. I had no idea of the inner turmoil and feelings you experienced during the adoption process. Thank you, David, for writing this book for all of us, and in particular for allowing me to catch up on the last ten years of your life. I was deeply touched by your words and I feel like "family" again. While reading the book, it was almost like being there during the entire process. Sitting on the couch in your Mom and Dad's house as you bravely told them about your decision to convert, by your side as you got the disappointing news about infertility, standing on your shoulder as you completed the dossier, and lending a sympathetic ear as you explained the pain and frustration of the waiting process. Having seen Julia and Rachel shortly after you brought them home and again a few weeks ago (4 1/2 years later), the differences are remarkable! You are an incredible family and you and Carol have clearly found happiness and joy in your lives. May your wishes always continue to come true!