Browsing by Subject "Adoption"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    Adolescent Birth Mothers After Unintended Pregnancy and Infant Open Adoption
    (2009-12-08T19:11:56Z) Clutter, Lynn B.; Sims, Sharon L.
    Birth mothers of open adoption are not well studied. This inquiry explored birth mothers’ experiences surrounding unintended pregnancy and infant open adoption placement. The focused objective was to describe adolescent birth mothers’ lives following pregnancy and adoption placement. This qualitative study used naturalistic inquiry, with participants giving 1 to 2 hour tape recorded telephone interviews. Verbatim transcripts were de-identified and systematically analyzed. Birth mother samples were at either 1 to 5 years or 5 to 15 years after infant open adoption placement. Overall both samples chronicled stories from preconception through current life. Birth mothers of both samples were unanimous in their support of open adoption. The sample of 10 birth mothers who were interviewed 1 to 5 years postplacement shared life descriptions from prepregnancy; pregnancy with the decision for open adoption placement and choice of adoptive family; birth in context with the adoptive parents and birth child; postpartum and discharge. Postplacing birth mother findings were presented using the acronym AFRESH: A–adoption accomplishments; F–fresh start; R–relationships; E–emotions; S–support; H–healing. Personal, social, and relational benefits of open adoption far outweighed pregnancy, birth, and emotional challenges. Even though the process and outcome were “hard,” and included personal obstacles, the open adoption placement was “best.” Birth children were viewed as thriving, blossoming, and having a wonderful life. Adoptive families were cherished like those of extended family. Birth mothers thought health care providers should share the option, and then provide adoption friendly care. They also would advise pregnant teens to choose open adoption. Results from the 5 to 15 years postplacement sample of 5 birth mothers yielded themes of (1) satisfaction about decision for open adoption, choice of adoptive couple, and seeing a thriving birth child; (2) personal milestone accomplishments in education, finances, work, life, and relationships; (3) a sustaining sense of being a better person with an improved life; and (4) the essential need for support during and after the process.
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    Dear Birthmother: A Linguistic Analysis of Letters Written to Expectant Mothers Considering Adoption
    (2007-07-20T19:08:40Z) Cohen, Mary Ann D.; Harrington, Susanmarie; Upton, Thomas A. (Thomas Albin); Shepherd, Susan
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    Embryo Adoption: Implications of Personhood, Marriage, and Parenthood
    (2008-04-14T12:30:19Z) McMillen, Brooke Marie; Brand, Peggy Zeglin; Eberl, Jason T.; Burke, Michael B.
    One’s personal claims regarding personhood will influence his moral belief regarding embryo adoption. In Chapter One, I consider the personhood of the human embryo. If the human embryo is a person, we are morally obligated to permit the practice of embryo adoption as an ethical means to save human persons. However, for those who do not claim that an embryo is a person at conception, embryo adoption is not a necessary practice because we have no moral obligation to protect them. There are still others who claim that personhood is gained at some point during gestation when certain mental capacities develop. I offer my own claim that consciousness and sentience as well as the potential to be self-conscious mark the beginning of personhood. Embryo adoption raises several questions surrounding the institution of marriage. Due to its untraditional method of procreation, embryo adoption calls into question the role of procreation within marriage. In Chapter Two, I explore the nature of the marriage relationship by offering Lisa Cahill’s definition of marriage which involves both a spiritual and physical dimension, and then I describe the concept of marriage from different perspectives including a social, religious, and a personal perspective. From a personal perspective, I explore the relationship between marriage and friendship. Finally, I describe how the concept of marriage is understood today and explore the advantages to being married as opposed to the advantages of being single. Embryo adoption changes the way we customarily think about procreation within a family because in embryo adoption, couples are seeking an embryo from another union to be implanted into the woman. This prompts some philosophers to argue that embryo adoption violates the marriage relationship. In Chapter Three, I further consider the impact of embryo adoption on the family as an extension of the marital relationship as well as the impact of embryo adoption on the traditional roles of motherhood and fatherhood. I examine motherhood by looking at how some philosophers define motherhood and when these philosophers claim a woman becomes a mother. After considering these issues regarding motherhood, I examine the same issues surrounding fatherhood. Peg Brand, PhD., Chair
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    Preferences and Experiences Regarding Pregnancy Options Counseling in Adolescence and Young Adulthood: A Qualitative Study
    (Elsevier, 2023) Bell, Lauren A.; Tyler, Crystal P.; Russell, Margaret R.; Szoko, Nicholas; Harrison, Elizabeth I.; Kazmerski, Traci M.; Syed, Tahniat; Kirkpatrick, Laura; Pediatrics, School of Medicine
    Purpose: Perspectives of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) experiencing pregnancy options counseling (POC) are absent from the literature. This study explores AYA experiences and preferences related to POC to inform best practice guidelines. Methods: We conducted semistructured phone interviews in 2020-2021 among US-based individuals, 18-35 years old, who experienced a pregnancy less than 20 years of age. We performed qualitative descriptive analysis of positive and negative attributes of AYA's experiences with POC. Results: Fifty participants reported 59 pregnancies (16 parenting, 19 abortions, 18 adoptions, three miscarriages) between the ages of 13 and 19 years. Positive attributes of POC experienced included: (1) provider communication that was compassionate, respectful, supportive, and attentive to nonverbal cues; (2) provider neutrality; (3) discussion of all pregnancy options; (4) asking about feelings, choice, life plans, and additional supports; (5) provision of informational materials; and (6) warm handoffs/follow-up facilitation. Negative attributes of POC experienced included: (1) judgmental, impersonal, or absent communication; (2) lack of counseling on all options and/or coercive/directive counseling; (3) insufficient time and supportive resources; and (4) confidentiality concerns. We identified no differences in these perspectives across pregnancy outcomes reported. Participants generally desired counseling about all options, with rare exceptions of ambivalence. Discussion: Individuals who experienced an adolescent pregnancy described similar positive and negative attributes of POC regardless of preferred pregnancy outcome. Their perspectives highlight how crucial interpersonal communication skills are for effective POC for AYA. POC training across health care specialties should emphasize confidential, compassionate, and nonjudgmental care for AYA patients.