Blog Post 1, Option 2

Initially it would seem inevitable that feminist organizations and groups of birthmothers from the “baby scoop” era would have countless things in common, however, after reading about the interactions between CUB and NOW in Solinger’s work Claiming Rights in the Era of Choice,  it becomes clear that their beliefs were extremely different. At the start of the birthmother revolution in the 1970’s, it became commonplace for newly active birthmothers to join in on their local feminist movements. After voicing their opinions in these circumstances though, it quickly became clear that their battles were completely different and separated from those involved in the feminist movements. Those involved in the feminist movement and members of NOW were concerned not with the rights of birthmothers, but the rights of women to not become mothers through controlling their reproduction through contraceptives and abortion. Feminists were advocating for a women’s right not to be forced into motherhood, which was the opposite of what birthmothers were fighting for (Solinger, 117).  The lack in agreement between these two groups came from the lack of understanding of each position. The feminist movement failed to recognize the implications of surrendering a child for adoption in the 1950’s and 1960’s, when these women had no choice. The feminists continued to believe that adoption was a “personal choice” that both parties made during the adoption and continued to see only the benefits that women (both birthmothers and adoptive mothers) gained from their decisions (Solinger, 117).  The group of birthmothers that considered their struggles part of the feminist revolution were not wrong in doing so. Their outcries for birthmothers’ rights were consistent with those of women’s rights. Both groups were fighting against discrimination and the freedom of choice. The failure of these two out-groups to cooperate, however, rested on the lack of knowledge that feminists possessed about birthmother’s circumstances.

-Aly

Solinger, R. (2001).  "Claiming rights in the era of choice: Part II: Concerned united birthparents," from Beggars and Choosers: How the politics of choice shapes adoption, abortion, and welfare in the United States.  NY: Hill and Wang, p.103-138.

Blog Post 1, Option 4

Something that I found interesting throughout the readings was the way that birthmothers were viewed post-adoption.  Before this class, I was more or less oblivious to the incredibly negative view of birthmothers that continued long after the baby was born. Society looked down upon them to such a degree that many women felt they had to keep their past a secret. One story from the reading that stood out to me was the story about a birthmother meeting a social worker at the train station. When the social worker didn’t recognize her, she apologized, “I’m sorry, you just didn’t look like a birthmother” (Solinger 111). Shocked, I stopped reading for a minute; what exactly does a birthmother supposedly look like? With discrimination like that, it is no wonder that birthmothers felt they had to hide their identities. It makes you wonder – what would you do in their shoes? Would you embrace your past and share it, despite the negative responses you would likely receive? Or would you be too terrified, and keep your secrets to yourself? I don’t think there is an easy answer, and it is unfortunate that so many women have had to struggle with that dilemma.

                I think that the CUB organization was a huge step for birthmothers across the country. United, these women helped change the way birthmothers are viewed (Solinger 109). I found it a little disheartening that despite the fact that Lee Campbell founded such a great organization, she had a hard time appearing on television to share her experience and literally stayed in the shadows because of the intense discrimination.  It was even worse reading about the audience’s reaction to her story. When the talk show host asked the audience who thought that she didn’t have a right to know her son who she placed for adoption, he “stepped back at the thunderous applause” (Solinger 135). I think it is sickening that people were so quick to judge. Solinger writes that CUB received many letters “reminding [birthmothers] that they had merely performed as ‘breeders’ and so had no right to ‘interfere’ in their children’s lives” (119). It’s terrible to think that these harsh words were not uncommon. I’m interested to know how different things are today. From the little familiarity I have with adoption, it seems that the discrimination has lessened, but I am still curious how often birthmothers continue to be seen in such a negative light.

-Rachel

Solinger, R. (2001).  "Clamining rights in te era of choice: Part II: Concerned united birthparents," fromBeggars and choosers: How the politics of choice shapes adoption, abortion, and welfare in the United States.  NY: Hill and Wang, p.103-138.

Blogpost 1, Option 2

The Role of Feminism in the Birthmothers’ Rights

            Feminism is a revolution that has been an issue in today’s society since the nineteenth century. In the 1960’s a new wave of feminism occurred in the 1960’s which wanted social and legal equality for all women. However who gets to decide which issues these “new” feminist should support and which issues should not be a part of this new movement? This is where the issues developed between these mainstream feminist, often apart of the National Organization for Women, and birthmothers’ organizations during the time. One of the central platforms in which the NOW feminist and birthmother’s disagreed on was “reproductive rights.” Many of the new feminist could not connect with these “reproductive rights” that included the right to contraception and the right to be a mother. According to Solinger, “NOW members couldn’t see exploitation in adoption” and “insisted adoption was a personal choice in the case of both the birthmother and the adopting parents” (117). Also NOW believed adoption was not a feminist issue because women benefited most from getting adopted babies, meaning the adoptive mothers were benefiting at the birthmother’s loss. The question of if adoption in feminism in the 1960’s was a challenging issue because most of the mainstream feminist had opposing views to the birthmothers which did not resolve for some time.

            One might ask the question today if this is the same relationship with mainstream feminist and birthmothers in today’s society. In my opinion, I believe there is more solidarity between the two organizations today and the mainstream feminist are more welcoming and responsive to the concerns to the birthmothers. A main reason for the support has to do with reproductive rights play a bigger and more important role in today’s feminist movement. Many organizations are more willing to help unwed mothers and offer neutral advice on what is the best option for the child, but the birthmother as well. Today I believe the feminist organizations would use their resources to make sure the birthmother’s receive the care they need during this time.
Until next time!

Sarah

Bibliography

Rickie Solinger, "Claiming Rights in the Era of Choice" Part I: Awakenings in Beggars and Choosers: How the Politics of Choice Shapes Adoption, Abortion, and Welfare in the United States.  U.S.: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2001:  pp. 65-138.

What is ethics?

Ethics is defined as the "well founded standards of right and wrong that prescribe what humans ought to do."  This can range from simple judgments from right and wrong such as as cheating to more complex, controversial issues like stem cell research.  Many times, the ethical standards are determined by the society, time period, and personal values.  An ethical dilemma is a struggle between two conflicting "moral imperatives."  There is never a universal right answer to these issues.  However, personal and societal context can lead to assessing the more acceptable conclusion.
There are many ethical dilemmas that pertain to adoption.  Adoption in itself is an ethical issue whether it is moral to displace children from their homes and biological families.  The ethical issues copious.  Key issues are highlighted below.

• Transracial adoption
• Cost of Adoption
• International Adoption
• Open Adoption
• Open Records
• GLBT Adoption

These issues will be explored throughout this blog as well as reactions towards specific books and articles discussing the ethical issues of adoption.

Until next time,
Sarah, Rachel, Aly & Reanna

Greetings

Hey All!
This is our group blog for our class Adoption, Ethics, and the Family.