Catholic Charities In the News
Adoption an alternative
February 27, 2009 - The Times-Picayune
Letter to the Editor
Re: "New mother never wanted baby: She tried to have abortion, then weighed adoption, " Page 1, Feb. 12.
Recently, a young woman called Adoption Services of Catholic Charities from the hospital. I'll call her Mary. Mary had just given birth to a baby whose arrival she had hidden from her family and friends. She was alone, afraid, confused and overwhelmed. Ciara Craig must have felt the same way before she made the irreversible decision to toss her newborn daughter into Lake Pontchartrain.
Mary considered placing her baby for adoption, but she had questions. She ultimately chose the family that adopted her baby and decided on the degree of ongoing contact she would have with the child.
Today, Mary says the call to Adoption Services of Catholic Charities was the best decision she ever made. She maintains contact with her baby's new family. Mary has never disclosed her pregnancy to her family and friends.
Although Mary was aware of the safe haven law, and considered utilizing it, she is glad she chose adoption. Rather than facing a lifetime of uncertainty, Mary knows her birth daughter is thriving with the love of her adoptive family.
We do support the safe haven law and we hope it will prevent future tragedies. But the law was intended to be a last resort.
If only Ciara Craig had felt that she had other options available to her, she may have made a different decision.
Michelle Black
Director
Maternity and Adoption Services
Catholic Charities
New Orleans
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