Elizabeth Kirk on Adoption Post Dobbs

Following the Dobbs decision, how can policymakers and adoption agencies ensure that adoption is one of the options women consider when they find themselves with an unplanned pregnancy?

In this episode, Naomi and Ian are joined by Elizabeth Kirk, director of the Center for Law and the Human Person at Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law. Elizabeth explains that adoption is not often considered by mothers because many are unaware of how much control they have in the adoption process, choosing the family they want their child to be raised in. Many people also confuse private infant adoption with adoption out of the foster care system.

In order to prioritize adoption as a meaningful choice for women, Elizabeth recommends that states require schools to teach about adoption in sex education classes, using programs like Option Hope in Louisiana. While she praises the adoption tax credit, the kinds of policies that would result in women considering adoption come from improving options counseling and giving birth mothers post-placement counseling.

Resources:

Countering the ‘Soft Stigma’ Against Adoption | Elizabeth Kirk | Institute for Family Studies

The Role of Adoption in Dobbs-Era Pro-Life Policy | Elizabeth Kirk | Charlotte Lozier Institute

Adoption After Dobbs | American Enterprise Institute Event

Show Notes:

• 01:11 | Misbeliefs and reasons why adoption is still not considered a meaningful option

• 06:37 | Best-practices on how states can create a welcoming debate about adoption

• 12:14 | A legal landscape that promotes informed consent counseling

• 14:06 | How faith-based institutions model radical hospitality in child welfare

• 16:22 | Prioritizing adequate language and understanding women’s needs