The need to give birth fathers a voice in the adoption process

Description:

Prior to 1972, putting up a child for adoption did not require the consent of an unmarried father. Despite a Supreme Court case changing the law, many birth fathers are still unaware that they must register on a putative father registry in order to have input in their child’s future.

In this episode, Naomi and Ian are joined by Ericka Andersen, a freelance writer, digital marketing professional, and host of the podcast Worth Your Time. Ericka explains that the historical background prior to 1972 combined with the unfair stereotype associated with birth fathers often results in the birth mother alone making the decisions for her child. Ericka notes that most people are just as curious about and in need of a relationship with their birth father as they are their birth mother, but they rarely have access to the necessary information to make those connections.

Resources:

Bringing birth fathers back into adoption narratives | Ericka Andersen | Christianity Today

Sorry, Harvard, fathers still matter—including Black fathers | Ian Rowe and Brad Wilcox | USA

Show notes:

01:25 | Why are birth fathers typically not involved in the adoption story?

03:20 | How do we make sure birth fathers are involved in the adoption process?

06:15 | Giving birth fathers a voice would be better for everyone

08:55 | Keeping the best interests of the child in mind when the birth father shouldn’t be involved

10:50 | Why does the putative father registry differ by state?

14:45 | The role of religious institutions in the adoption process