Open adoption: Is it in the best interests of the child?

摘要

Adoption practice in America has evolved tremendously over the past century. Exciting changes have occurred in recent decades involving the trend toward openness in adoption. In light of these changes in adoption practice, this dissertation examines the evolution of adoption practice in regard to social attitudes toward adoption, beginning in the late 19th century and throughout the 20th century. The problem is posed as to what ethical challenges are present in adoption and what challenges are unique to open adoption. These ethical challenges are discussed in regard to a heuristic framework for an ethics of adoption that is based in utilitarianism but qualified by an ethics of care and the best interests of the child standard. Open adoption is described in detail as a practice. This dissertation also addresses the psychological effects of open adoption on the triad members. The conclusion is drawn that open adoption is not exempt from presenting the possibility of psychological detriments to the adopted child, but certainly open adoption is an improvement, in this context, for the practice of adoption as a whole. Finally, there is discussion of how open adoption practice is embedded in the use of technology for advertising and communication purposes. The use of these advances in technology is criticized as posing a threat of commodification for all members of the adoption triad. In conclusion, open adoption is recommended as an improvement over traditional adoption. The practice of open adoption is in need of an ethical framework such as the one suggested here, in order to ensure that the best interests of the child are served as well as the interests of adult triad members. The dissertation cautions against the impetuous practice of open adoption and encourages regulation as well as additional empirical research in order to truly evaluate open adoption.