During National Adoption Month in November, people nationwide are celebrating
adoption and the women who courageously choose adoption for their child.
Recent government reports suggest over 1.8 million single women became
pregnant in the United States in 2000. For many young women, facing an unplanned
pregnancy can create confusion and hopelessness about the future.
During this time of confusion, LDS Family Services offers hope. LDS Family
Services is a non-profit agency which provides support and resources for birth
parents. To aid in this effort, the agency has created an additional resource — a
new web site where birth parents can go for help. The website, www.itsaboutlove.org,
offers information and videos about services the agency provides as well as how
to contact local LDS Family Services offices.
The site also features the agency's award-winning public service
announcements which send a poignant message to birth mothers that where there is
help, there is hope. In addition, the commercials educate the public
about the emotions and issues a birth mother faces, and that if she
chooses to place her baby for adoption, her decision is motivated by love.
With 57 domestic and seven international offices, LDS Family Services
provides free, confidential counseling services. "Our services are
available to all birth parents, whether they have made a decision or not,"
says Fred Riley, Commissioner of LDS Family Services. "We are here to
provide counseling and support at a critical time for birth parents as they
weigh out their options and consider the best interest of both the child and
themselves."
"At LDS Family Services," says Stacy, who experienced an unplanned
pregnancy, "I had somebody who would just listen to me and help me. I
needed that. My counselor helped me to understand that there are ways to solve
the problem of being single and pregnant — that there was hope."
Should a birth parent choose to place her child for adoption, the agency
helps her to find the adoptive family who best fits the needs of the child, as
well as her own needs. The agency also prepares couples for adoption, provides
adoption education and advocates for legislation that protects safe adoptions.
"Adoption? it's about love" is a message promoted by LDS Family
Services. Catherine and Glen who adopted a son four years ago would
agree, not just for the obvious reason of the love they feel for their son, but
for the love and appreciation they also feel for his birth parents. "It was
a huge sacrifice on her part" explains Catherine, "for that, she'll
always be in our hearts."
For more information or help with an unplanned pregnancy, call 1-800-537-2229
or visit the LDS
Family Services web site to find a nearby office.
