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Elizabeth Larsen, author of “Did I Steal My Daughter – the tribulations of global adoption” has written a new article in “Mother Jones” called “International Adoption – It’s a One-Way Dialogue.” Amongst other things, she bemoans the fact that “there are viewpoints that aren’t given a lot of real estate, most notably the perspectives of people—adoptees, birth families, adoptive parents—who are deeply critical of adoption.”
Well, I’d like to point out that she failed to mention the viewpoints that are never heard; the children in Guatemala who will never be adopted but should have been.
Wouldn’t it be highly likely that those babies left in dumpsters and on the side of the road, and yes that happens in Guatemala, would have chosen adoption over the cruel and horrific destiny they suffered?
And wouldn’t the children growing up in orphanages in Guatemala (well over 20,000 and soon to be many more), even the nicest of ones of which there aren’t an abundance of, have chosen adoption by a family and a home to call their own over life in an orphanage?
And what about the thousands of street children in Guatemala who steal and prostitute themselves to survive; isn’t it probable that they would have chosen adoption over their sordid, tragic and dangerous lives?
I agree with Elizabeth that everyone has a right to voice their opinion of adoption, and in this day and age the computer makes it possible for everyone to state their opinions for everyone to read. However, my deepest concern is not for those who can’t get their writing published in magazines, but for those who will never have the opportunity to go to school and learn to write so they can make their viewpoints heard.
So at this juncture in the history of Guatemalan adoptions my energy is focused on the unheard voices of the children who will never know what it is like to have a home, a family and a future. They are not given the opportunity to speak out for or against adoption, but I’m pretty darn sure what they’d have to say if given the chance.
Amen Lisa!!!
Bravo!
Excellent post Lisa!
Perhaps some of us should be responding to her article. She is open for comments. She seems to be making quite a career move with her anti-adoption stance. She is in many ways the Ann Coulter of adoption.
Thanks for continuing to speak for those who can not. It still just shocks me that no one seems to actually think about the kids!! What’s up with that?! The alternative to adoption – at least international adoption – is not generally a happily-ever-after with the bio family – it’s death, desperation, prostitution, drugs, malnutrition, abuse . . . you name it. Keep it up, Lisa.
Holly
It is always so heartwarming and encouraging to see how many people are devoted to adoption.
Lisa S.