In September 2003, A Child's
Waiting answered a phone call from an individual
inquiring about our adoption process. After a
45 minute conversation, the individual identified
themselves as a producer from 20/20 and asked
our agency to meet with them in possibly doing
a piece on Open Adoption. Two days later, the
producers arrived at our agency and discussed
what they were hoping to achieve by educating
the general public about what open adoption actually
is.
We understand that adoption
process is a very sensitive issue for all members
of the triad. After much thought, we felt that
Barbara Walters, being the credible individual
she is in addition to being an adoptive mother
herself, would handle the topic in an appropriate
manner. Jessica, the birth mother featured
in the story, had the opportunity to withdraw
from the show at anytime up to six months after
the birth of her son which was in October 2003.
Jessica wanted to show other women like herself
that there is an alternative to abortion as well
as educate others about open adoption. She is
a wonderful young woman who cares deeply for
her son. We supported her decision to do the
show with ABC and are hopeful that someone like
Barbara Walters portrays the process accurately.
A Child's Waiting has no editorial
control over the content of the piece being presented
including print or commercials. We were there
every second for all of the families and birth
parents. We made sure that they were comfortable
whenever the camera was on. Each individual retained
the right to withdraw or not be filmed throughout
the process. Everyone involved felt comfortable
and agreed to be filmed and to have their segment
aired.
We hope that there will be
a positive message for those in the general population
who are uneducated about the wonderful option
of "openness". Our agency has so many
wonderful stories of successful open adoptions
in which the person who benefits the most is
the child. I know ABC hopes to add entertainment
value to attract viewers but, the pro's outweigh
the con's in that a large audience of people
will now see that this is a loving option for
someone experiencing an unplanned pregnancy.
In service of children,
Jennifer Marando PCC
Crissy Kolarik PCC
Co-Directors
