As birth parents, we all have varying experiences. While some differences are because of generational changes, even those who placed in the same eras have differences due to any number of reasons. Those who placed in the Baby Scoop Era have different stories to tell than those who have placed in the past ten years as will each mother within each generation. And yet, there are similarities as well. Similarities from mother to mother, father to father and generation to generation.

And that's what this... more

Remember when I recently unleashed some verbal fury on Ohio, my state of residence, while reviewing Post-Adoption Contact Agreements? Well, I've got good news. Not only is the state addressing a bill that would change how open adoptions are viewed and dealt with but they're pushing to open records for all adoptees, not just those born prior to 1964. Yes, I'm kind of giddy about it.

As the bill itself is rather long and wordy, a look... more

South Dakota. Their state insect is the honeybee which is rather appropriate. Why? Their laws regarding post-adoption contact agreements have me all a-buzz. (I'm funny, no?) We start out rather specific and then get all kinds of confusing somewhere in the middle.

Take a look:

What may be included in postadoption contact agreements? Citation: Codified Laws § 25-6-17 The natural parents of an adopted child shall retain no rights or privileges to have visitation or other postadoption contact with the child, except... more

I must say that this editorial article is a good read whether you are personally touched by Guatemalan adoption and their current reforms or not. In fact, if you're not really sure what all the hub-bub is about, the article offers some great insight as to why reform is necessary in a quick, easy to understand way. And yet, while reading, I began to ask the same questions about our country.

Let me quote the paragraph that got my wheels turning:

The larger... more

I like South Carolina. It's a nice place to visit. I wouldn't want to live there because, oh, I don't do well in heat. I can't even handle the heat in the summer up north! Summer in the south would melt me! That said, I've found another reason that I don't want to live in South Carolina. And it's based on how they address, or, rather, don't address post-adoption contact agreements.

Let's take a brief look.

What may be included in postadoption contact agreements? Citation: Ann. Code § 20-7-1770(D) An agreement... more

I'm stumped. I can't find the right words. How often does that happen for me? Rarely. I've always got something to say. And yet, right now, I'm just at a loss. You see, I got an e-mail from an expectant mother. I'm the first one she has told that she is pregnant. And she wants advice.

I don't know what to say.

Her situation sounds so familiar to my own. And yet she's reaching out ahead of time for the advice that I wasn't privy to while I was pregnant due to circumstances out of my control at the time. I have this possibility to help someone in ways... more

I get e-mails (or, on the forums, Private Messages) from readers who don't like to "put it all out there" for fear of how other commenters have treated them in the past but they still want some information. I often reply to these privately. However, I want to share a snip-it of a recent question and answer it here in hopes of helping other birth and adoptive families.

I would really like to know how you maintain that relationship, who initiates the contact, how (in from your perspective) her adoptive parents feel about the contact, how you deal... more

Our smallest state is awfully big on words when it comes to Post-Adoption Contact Agreements. Rhode Island does address the issue, unlike some bigger states, and they have quite a bit to say. Unlike some states where wordiness equaled confusion, this state gets rather specific and addresses issues that previously left us questioning. It seems to go along with their state motto of, "Hope." It gives me hope for the future of post-adoption contact agreements.

Let's see!

What may be included in postadoption contact agreements?... more

I've previously talked about my own adoption resolutions for this New Year. I'm still determined to bring these things to fruition. However, on the forums, a thread was started about birth parents' wishes for their children. And I thought it was a unique and heart-warming discussion.

My adoption related goals for the year are my own. I am personally responsible... more

In writing these little state reviews, I often look up interesting state facts when I'm not overly familiar with the state. I've never been to Oregon. But I just learned that Oregon has the most Ghost Towns of any other state. They also have something to say about post-adoption contact agreements.

Let's see what it is.

What may be included in postadoption contact agreements? Citation: Rev. Stat. § 109.305 Nothing in the adoption laws of this State shall be construed to prevent the adoptive parents, the birth... more