Comments on: Rights for Biological Fathers Via Rape?

By: MamaS

MamaS — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 21:26:52 +0000

Judges CAN order visitation even if a parent is in jail. It just requires the foster parent/custodial parent to take the child to the jail/prison for visitation. I was under court order to take my 18-month-old grandson to visit his father once a month while his father was in jail. He spent the time looking at Daddy through the glass window and mouthing the telephone receiver (couldn’t figure out how to talk or listen through it!). The next time Daddy was in jail I asked the GAL to oppose visitation, as it was a four-hour drive there and four hours back. We were both cranky and exhausted when it was over.

By: Julia Fuller

Julia Fuller — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:57:49 +0000

They can’t visit if they are in jail. This may be a reason for these women to follow through on pressing charges. Many women do not press charges because of shame or they want it left in the past.

By: Jenna Hatfield

Jenna Hatfield — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:02:37 +0000

Interesting question and point, MamaS. I don’t know the answer but it does provide a very interesting ethical question.

By: MamaS

MamaS — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:42:58 +0000

I wonder if this would also include statutory rape? If so, I think it would make unethical adoptions easier, since an underage birthmother would be a rape victim whether consenting or not, so the birthfather would have no rights to contest the adoption plan.