The Chicago Tribune offered an interesting article about the movie Juno and adoption. The filmmaker says she based the movie on her friend’s experience, but the movie has generated much discussion amongst surrendering mothers. Considering recent discussions on this blog about adoption and the complex issues it brings up I thought the following was quite interesting to read.
There are no large, representative studies of contemporary American birth mothers, a group that voluntarily relinquishes an estimated 13,000 to 14,000 infants each year, according to a 2006 report by the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute.
One of the best existing studies, published in 1993 by Columbia University researchers, found that 38 percent of birth mothers felt a lot of grief six months after relinquishment, 46 percent felt some or “a little” grief and 16 percent felt no grief.
A follow-up study found that those birth mothers with open adoptions — or a degree of contact with the adoptive family — experienced less long-term grief and regret. . .. The Columbia study, which was large but not representative of birth mothers overall, found that four years after adoption, 55 percent of birth mothers were feeling no grief over the decision, 36 percent felt some or a little grief and 9 percent felt a lot of grief.
Actually, I have to say when I read that 55% percent felt no grief four years later I really felt better about adoption in general. Over half are satisfied with their choice. Still, 45% are not doing as well and that is a pretty significant number, in my book.
I wonder, how long do the adoption agencies offer long term support for surrendering mothers? I am going to Catholic Social Services Pregnancy Support Auction this weekend, which includes the adoption agency (yes, believe it or not I am not 100% against adoption), and I hope to get some more information. I also wonder if the women regret their decision or just grieve their decision? It can be a good decision but still be difficult emotionally. The study doesn’t give much information.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In