The baby Veronica story, a messy case involving a tug-of-war between a Native American biological dad and the white couple who adopted the child, took another turn when a court gave the adoptive parents the go-ahead to regain custody of Veronica , according to CNN.
I don’t know the biological father, Dusten Brown, nor do I know Veronica’s adoptive parents, Matt and Melanie Capobianco. But the case tugs at my heart. I know Veronica, who is almost 4 years old, may be scarred by this adoption-custody battle.
This case is complicated in so many ways. One issue that struck me is the question of rights for birth fathers. How much influence do biological fathers in general have in adoption cases? The baby Veronica story suggests Brown may have been shut out of the critical decision, made by the birth mother, to give the girl up for adoption. Brown and the birth mother were not married.
Do you believe birth dads should have more involvement in adoption decisions? I would love to hear your thoughts.
I think the birth father should have some rights, but the interests and well being of the children should always come first.
Fathers should have the same rights. This case was a travesty from start to end. Many similar cases tell the same story. A child cannot be conceived with a father the same as without a mother – they are equal once a child is born.
*without* a father
I agree, Tom. Ideally, both parents should be “in the loop” and on the same page when the decision to give a baby up for adoption is made.
The case is a real mess, TAO. I hope Veronica will be ok.
I actually do believe the Birth Father should have rights after the birth of a child, and that those rights for him should not be any different that the Birth Mother’s. Ultimately, however, I also believe that there should be a time limit so that once a child reaches a certain age and has been adopted and assimilated into a family, the Birth Father can’t come on the scene and create emotional distress for the child. When a child is born and the Father immediately seeks custody, I think he should be measured to whatever standard exists to prove whether a parent is fit or not, and if he is capable and able to raise a child, he should be able to do so.
I agree with your point regarding a time limit. If they want to be part of the adoption discussion, dads have to be around from the start.
I believe if we are pro-life and argue against “Her body, her choice,” we are compelled to take the interest of the biological father into account as well, both prenatally as well as after the child has been born. Otherwise, a double-standard has been set by the adoption community.
I also agree with the time limitations. I cannot imagine how traumatic this must be for that poor child.
I feel for Veronica. I hope she’ll be ok.