Over fifty years ago, one important decision was made that changed the entire course of my life: my parents adopted me as an infant and brought me home as their own. Their decision to bring home a child in need of a home made a world of difference for me, and I am reminded of that blessing more so now as a grandfather of three beautiful grandchildren. My parents laid the foundation for these blessings and as Thanksgiving nears, I couldn’t ask for another blessing that gives as much as they did on that day years ago.
The season is upon us where families and friends gather, count their blessings and enjoy the company of others, but many children remain in the care of the state rather than at home with a loving family, and there are many families that wait for the opportunity to give a child a permanent loving home. I am also thankful to my birth mother for choosing adoption, which is why I continue to advocate for birth mothers to know that adoption is an option. As a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to work on these issues at the federal level. November is also National Adoption Month.
As a leader on adoption issues in the U.S. House I have introduced and managed efforts impacting adoption:
The Adoption Information Act (H.R. 3062): Domestic adoptions are more important now than ever as countries like Russia are closing their doors to American adoptions (sentence verbatim from Dear Colleague). I authored this legislation to ensure that birth mothers are aware of adoption as an option during pregnancy, and for family planning service providers to present pamphlets containing a list of adoption centers to any individual who requests abortion services or inquiries about any related information. I believe it is vital that women have all the necessary tools and opportunities to make the most informed decision regarding their health and their unborn baby. This legislation would truly enable women facing an unplanned pregnancy to be aware of the option of adoption and to help families who are longing to have a child of their own to have that chance.
The Protecting Adopted Children Act (H.R. 3423): Recent media reports highlighted the issue of “re-homing,” where adoptive families have unfortunately transferred adopted children into the homes of strangers, in an unregulated and underground process. This bill directs resources for states to assist adoptive families, to help provide a more stable home environment and prevent children from entering the foster care system or other less-regulated networks through the provision of pre- and post-adoptive support services.
Congress can and must take action to help the women, children and families affected by these issues.
My best to you, your family and friends on Thanksgiving and all during this holiday season.
The main streets of Virginia’s First District are full of ideas to get our economy back on track, and your feedback is critically important to me as I serve you. I can be reached by telephone at (202) 225-4261, through my website (www.wittman.house.gov), on Facebook (www.facebook.com/reprobwittman), and via Twitter (www.twitter.com/robwittman).
