How has the Supreme Court’s decision on Dobbs v. Jackson affected foster care and adoption in the United States during the past two years?

This week, Naomi and Ian are joined by Herbie Newell, President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services, one of the largest adoption agencies in the United States. Herbie discusses how the recent limits on abortion access in some states have impacted adoption agencies. He highlights the cultural shifts that have emerged since the Dobbs decision, including the decreased stigma surrounding adoption. He also addresses the slight increase in foster care numbers following the ruling, and how to interpret it, as well as how we can create a more positive outlook on adoption as an option for mothers, fathers, and children in the United States.

Resources

-Doing Adoption the “Right” Way Can Work for Everyone Involved | Naomi Schaefer Riley

-Elizabeth Kirk on Adoption Post Dobbs | Naomi Schaefer Riley | Ian Rowe

-What is it Like to Place Your Child For Adoption | Naomi Schaefer Riley | Timothy P. Carney

Show Notes

-0:00:57 | How has the atmosphere around adoption changed post Dobbs?

-0:03:59 | How has the view of adoption shifted in the pro-life community?

-0:06:31 | Has there been an increase in foster care post-Dobbs?

-0:09:44 | How should we think about adoption as an option for mothers and how can we reduce the stigma women choosing adoption face?

-0:13:20 | What pressures might women feel in the adoption process? How do we address them?

-0:18:23 | Does adoption stigma drive single-mother households? How do we better involve men throughout the adoption process?