Birthmothers believed that the loss of their child(ren) should be
included as a feminist concern because they felt they were being punished for
being sexually active. Society had placed an injustice on them by denying them
the choice of motherhood. Sandy Musser’s story shows how women were oppressed. “Sandy
Musser explained how she and most CUB members viewed the practice of sealing
adoption records as ‘an affront to the basic dignity’ of women who had given
birth while unmarried and lost their children. This policy, she argued, denied
a group of women ‘the right to take charge of our own affairs’ because of their
gender” (pp. 114). The feminist movement was about reclaiming ownership of the
self, and the birthmothers felt that regaining their right to be called what
they want, to search for their child(ren), have access to open records, etc.
should have qualified them to be part of the movement (pp. 116). Birthmothers believed
that they had a right to let go of the shame they had been living with since
their surrender of their child(ren), thus they believed they should be accepted
by feminists.
Feminists were not keen to birthmothers concerns as being a feminist issue
because they saw it through a different lens. Feminists believed that adoption
was beneficial to women because it gave women who couldn’t have children the
opportunity to be a mother (pp. 117). From the feminists’ viewpoint, adoption
was a personal choice rather than forced. The feminists failed to connect that
legalizing abortions, subsidized day care, job training for single mothers,
school programs for pregnant women, etc. (all of which were part of the
feminist movement) tied to the birthparents’ fight for their rights (pp. 118).
I believe that feminists today would be more welcoming and receptive to
birthmothers’ concerns. People seem to have more respect for birthmothers today
than compared to previous times. People are more open to a triad relationship –
the adoptee, adoptive parents and birthparents. This is a sign that the
birthparents are seen in a more favorable light. Birthparents are no longer
considered to have mental disorders, as they used to when they gave their child
up for adoption.
Graded Reply #1
ReplyDeleteI agree with your analysis on why feminists weren't concerned as birthmother's being a feminist issue. One thing to add would be the fact that birthmothers didn't begin to speak about their issues until the CUB was formed. Before the CUB, women would have to deal with all these negative emotions themselves since they felt no one was out their to offer support or hear them out. Once they got around a group of women speaking of their issues, women finally felt comfortable to voice their own experiences. Overall, the fact that feminists connected more with adoptive parents than birthmothers is another reason why they weren't as concerned as you stated in your post.
Secondly, I completely agree with your stance on the fact feminists today are more welcoming and receptive to birthmother's concerns. The CUB continually fought to earn their rights and be heard. They were able to capture more and more birthmothers who were finally speaking out and eventually their voices couldn't be ignored much longer. The fact that programs are created to help with adoption and education is there shows that feminists consider birthmother's rights an issue. I like the part when you brought up the fact people are more open to a triad relationship. This is a huge step for the adoption world and really helps the birthmothers feel more comfortable with their decisions and make sure their child is taken care of.
I enjoyed reading your post and think you have a lot of good points that are contributed from the readings. Birthmothers took a strong stand and with the support of many, they were able to be heard and better the awareness of adoption and its possible effects.
-Jordan Radel