The Donaldson Adoption Institute | Untangling the Web II
the copyright logo appear to be linked in some way to or sponsored by adoption agencies without any upfront disclosure to women going to their site for unbiased help…One adoption [site] even goes so far as to say ‘even if you are sure you want to parent we want to talk to you’...and do you really think they are going to help them finding parenting resources?! !
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! Adoptive parents advertising for a child – In addition to overall concerns about commodification, adoptees reported concern about prospective adoptive parents who promote themselves via the Internet or social media. Respondents cited language that made the prospective parents and the life they would offer seem flawless, or that juxtaposed the many opportunities adopting parents could provide in a way that seemed to diminish the value of pregnant women of lesser means parenting their babies.! ! Potential for increasing fraud – Adoptees indicated concern about fraud related to the search process, in particular that the Internet allowed unscrupulous people to market themselves as searchers.!
The remaining comments made by more than a few respondents included the issue of “re-homing,” a practice seen as unethical and dangerous, but made more possible through the Internet; prospective parents using websites for fundraising to adopt; that the Internet and social media permit the anonymous “trashing” of others with opposing views (sites that glorify adoption and ones that portray all adoption as negative were noted), and that the posting of pictures of children awaiting adoption is unethical.!
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Participants were asked another open-ended question that aimed at assessing the value of the Internet: The Internet has led to new opportunities for people to learn about adoption, for families to be established, and for parties to better maintain connections. When using the Internet or social media, what have you seen or experienced that demonstrates the benefits of the Internet for the field of adoption?!
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One hundred and fifty-three adoptees responded, with specific comments that fell into one of the following themes. !
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! The Internet’s value in creating community – Adoptees noted that the Internet and social media allow triad members to support one another, gain information and obtain access to resources. A related aspect was advocacy – the Internet and social media allow like-minded adoptees to both gain knowledge about and to organize around issues such as restoring their right to access their original birth certificates.! ! The Internet’s ability to enhance search and connection – The Internet has reduced barriers to the search process and added more options for looking for birth family members. In regard to secrecy and the era of closed
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