8. Relinquished Children
It is a very rare occurrence nowadays for a mother to choose adoption rather than bring up a child herself. There are many reasons a child may be relinquished. For example, a very young mother who, together with her family, believes that adoption is the best plan for the baby. They hope that this plan will enable the young mother to pick up the threads of her life without the responsibility of raising a child. Some communities find it hard to accept that an illegitimate child can be welcomed into the family. It was not so long ago that in England the shame of illegitimacy was the main reason that many thousands of children were placed for adoption.
Case Study: Sunita
Sunita’s mother, Aisha, was a 19 year old young woman of Pakistani Muslim origin. She had been raised in England within a traditional family who expected their daughters to enter arranged marriages as they became adults. Aisha had fought hard to attend college after leaving school rather than agree to a marriage. Whilst at college she made a relationship with a young Hindu man, Salim, whose family was originally from India.
When Aisha became pregnant she feared telling her parents and the young couple struggled to find a solution. They were clear that their parents would not allow them to marry as they were from different religious backgrounds and Aisha lived in fear of her pregnancy being discovered. Aisha went to her GP who was understanding of her need for confidentiality and supported her throughout her pregnancy. The GP contacted the social worker at the hospital who discussed adoption with both Aisha and Salim. Although sad, they felt that this would provide their baby with a secure future.
With loose clothing and great care Aisha managed to prevent her parents and siblings from knowing of her plans and with the GP’s support the baby was born in hospital and Aisha was able to return home the same day. Sunita went to a foster carer where Aisha and Salim visited her occasionally before she was placed with her adoptive family when she was 5 months old.
Choose the options you think are correct.