What do we mean when we say “birth mother”? The answer might seem very self-evident: it means we’re talking about a woman whose child was placed for adoption. Yet, language is a very important tool, not just in conveying truths, but in constructing them – and this is part of the reason why the … [Read more...] about What do we mean when we say “birth mother”?
Race, Religion, and Rescue in Adoption (Part II: Starfish and Dragons)
This post is the second in a three-part discussion of adoption research featured at the Adoption Initiative’s conference. The second plenary speaker, Jae Ran Kim (social worker, researcher, and blogger formerly known as Harlow's Monkey), opened with the story of her adoption. Or, as she called it, … [Read more...] about Race, Religion, and Rescue in Adoption (Part II: Starfish and Dragons)
Dear Daughter
by Natasha Dear Daughter, I never gave you up. I gave you a chance at better life than what I could provide for you, as your mother. I have always loved you, even before I knew you, I savored our time together in pregnancy. And ever since, it has been a personal joy for me to spend time with … [Read more...] about Dear Daughter
Race, Religion, and Rescue in Adoption: Thoughts on the Adoption Initiative’s 7th Biennial Conference (Part I)
I recently attended the Adoption Initiative’s biennial conference, “Race, Religion, and Rescue in Adoption.” Even as a committed reproductive justice advocate, adoption is a fairly new topic to me. I fully acknowledge that I knew little about adoption beyond the broad stereotypes about who places … [Read more...] about Race, Religion, and Rescue in Adoption: Thoughts on the Adoption Initiative’s 7th Biennial Conference (Part I)