Utah’s adoption laws have long been under scrutiny, particularly among adoption professionals outside the state. Snickers, side comments, and outright misconceptions often plague discussions about Utah’s approach to adoption. However, when we step back and analyze these criticisms, a different story emerges—one of care, structure, and a deep commitment to the well-being of birth parents, adoptive families, and children alike.
Let’s address some common misconceptions about Utah adoption policies and shine a light on the truth.
Myth 1: Utah "Drags" Birth Mothers Across State Lines
Reality: Birth mothers come to Utah by choice and typically under specific circumstances. In most cases, they are seeking stability, support, or anonymity that might not be available in their home state. It is not a matter of coercion but rather an option for birth mothers facing homelessness, lack of family support, or unsafe situations.
In fact, the percentage of out-of-state birth mothers who choose Utah has significantly decreased. While Utah once handled 60% of placements within the state, this number has dropped to about 10%. The idea that Utah is a magnet for out-of-state placements is outdated and exaggerated.
Reality: Birth mothers come to Utah by choice and typically under specific circumstances. In most cases, they are seeking stability, support, or anonymity that might not be available in their home state. It is not a matter of coercion but rather an option for birth mothers facing homelessness, lack of family support, or unsafe situations.
In fact, the percentage of out-of-state birth mothers who choose Utah has significantly decreased. While Utah once handled 60% of placements within the state, this number has dropped to about 10%. The idea that Utah is a magnet for out-of-state placements is outdated and exaggerated.
Myth 2: Utah Blocks Birth Fathers' Rights
Myth 3: Utah's 24-Hour Relinquishment Is Too Short
Reality: A 24-hour irrevocable relinquishment period after birth is not unique to Utah and aligns with policies in many states, including Kansas and Florida. States like Florida may finalize relinquishment sooner if the mother leaves the hospital within 24 hours.
The waiting period in Utah reflects a thoughtful balance. It gives birth mothers time to make clear decisions and creates a stable environment for the child in a timely manner.
Reality: Utah adoption professionals strive to provide ongoing support for birth mothers before, during, and after placement. While this area could improve nationally, Utah agencies often offer counseling, life-planning resources, and financial assistance tailored to individual needs. Tools like Hearts Connect foster open communication between birth parents, adoptive families, and agencies, ensuring a long-term support network.
Myth 4: Birth Mothers Are Abandoned Post-Relinquishment
Reality: Utah adoption professionals strive to provide ongoing support for birth mothers before, during, and after placement. While this area could improve nationally, Utah agencies often offer counseling, life-planning resources, and financial assistance tailored to individual needs. Tools like Hearts Connect foster open communication between birth parents, adoptive families, and agencies, ensuring a long-term support network.
Myth 4: Birth Mothers Are Abandoned Post-Relinquishment
Myth 5: Utah Uses "Group Homes" for Birth Mothers
Reality: Birth mothers who are in Utah and in need of accommodations, or birth mothers who choose to come to Utah to deliver and place their child, stay in either extended-stay hotels or private apartments. Group homes for birth mothers do not exist in Utah.
Having a private apartment offers birth mothers both autonomy and privacy. This can be an uncomfortable time physically for birth mothers, and knowing they can count on having their privacy, respect, and support helps make this time less challenging.
Reality: Adoption costs are a challenge across the United States, and fees can vary widely depending on the situation. Utah agencies, however, are increasingly adopting a flat-fee structure to promote transparency. This model allows adoptive families to plan their finances without the stress of unexpected add-ons.
The key to improving perceptions here is clear communication. Agencies must state what they will do, do what they say, and be upfront about costs. Transparency is ethical and builds trust with adoptive families and the broader community.
Myth 6: Utah's Adoption Fees Are Unreasonable
Myth 7: Birth Mothers Are Paid and Abandoned
Reality: Financial assistance is often provided to birth mothers to help with pregnancy-related expenses, but this is not where the relationship ends. Many Utah agencies focus on holistic, post-placement support, including counseling and life planning.
By maintaining a relationship between the birth mother, adoptive family, and agency, programs like Hearts Connect reduce the perception that birth mothers are abandoned after placement.
Why Utah Adoption Benefits Latter-day Saint Families
Utah's adoption policies honor gospel principles of compassion and eternal families.
Adoption in Utah provides a framework deeply aligned with gospel principles of compassion, integrity, and eternal families, not quick decisions and cutting corners.
It is about creating a system that respects the needs of all members of the adoption triad: birth families, adoptive families, and children while meeting the goal of providing a permanent and loving home for every child.
As members of the Latter-day Saint community, we are uniquely positioned to see adoption as a sacred opportunity.
We invite you to be informed advocates by dispelling myths and celebrating the blessings of adoption in Utah and beyond. By focusing on what Utah does well and improving where we can, we ensure that adoption remains a source of joy and hope for future generations.
