11/04/2023
November is National Adoption Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness of the hundreds of thousands of children in America who are currently awaiting adoption and couples who are not able to conceive or hope to expand their existing family. Most recent statistics reflect that in 2021, 53,500 children and youth who were adopted: 55% were adopted by their foster parent(s) and 34% by a relative; 29% were age nine years or older and the average age of adoption is six years old.
Interestingly, the United States continues to be the number one country that U.S. families adopt from, with 75% of adoptions occurring locally. In fact, the number of international adoptions continues to fall, while domestic adoptions rise.
Of the nearly 4 million American children who are born each year, only about 18,000 babies under the age of one year are voluntarily relinquished for adoption. The most recent AFCARS report (Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that there are over 400,000 children in foster care in the United States, of which approximately 114,000 foster children are eligible for and waiting to be adopted.
There are approximately 2 million families in the United States waiting to adopt babies. This number may be even higher now because there's been a decrease in the birth rate and an increase in the number of families interested in adoption.
Parents have numerous reasons for wanting to choose to adopt a child. One of the primary reasons is infertility. A recent UCLA study identified an estimated 15% - 20% of U.S. couples experience infertility. While not all infertile couples turn to adoption, the data provides a general idea of one possible group of parents waiting to adopt babies.
Numerous medical studies illustrate the challenging emotional impacts of infertility, including depression, isolation, low self-esteem, and shame. When we encounter clients who experience these symptoms, we refer them to the Gianna Centers here on Long Island who address infertility issues for both women and men and they specialize in natural fertility options and Natural Family Planning.
Our compassionate counselors can confidently reassure women who are undecided about their pregnancy decision, that they are not alone in their concerns. We share testimonies about how adoption can fill empty hearts and aching arms with the joy of holding their newborn baby. In addition to filling the hearts and homes of adoptive parents, adoption changes the future of the newborn baby as the baby now has been given the Gift of Life!
The decision for a woman to place her baby for adoption with a loving family that she is able to select, is the most brave, selfless, compassionate love a Mother can give her baby. If there is anyone you may know who is experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and they do not feel they are ready to parent, they may wish to consider adoption. We at Dawnings will be happy to give women information about adoption, and resources that will help them make an informed decision and hopefully encourage them to give the Gift of Life. Women receive numerous blessings when they give the Gift of Life!
