Position Papers

Origins-USA is preparing papers detailing its positions.  These papers include background information, supporting evidence, and recommended resources. Links to the papers are posted as they are completed.

Members!  Origins-USA values your feedback on these topics.  To join the Position Papers Committee and provide input on draft position papers, contact Jane Edwards at jedwards@origins-usa.org or 804-767-1841.

Keeping Families Together

Fundamental Parental Rights and Family Preservation:  Every mother, regardless of marital status, age, financial condition, or physical limitations should receive the support she needs to nurture her children.

Alternatives to Adoption:  Kinship Care & Permanent Legal Guardianship

Discrimination: Laws and practices governing the custody of children must give priority to keeping children with their family and kin. 

Mothers’ Rights

Information / Informed Decision

Adequate Time to Decide; Revoke

Pre-Birth Expenses

Independent Legal Counsel:  Every parent has the right to independent legal counsel to advise them of the consequences of surrender and alternatives to surrender before signing any documen surrendering their parental rights to their child.

Notification of Death / Adoption Disruption

Father’s Rights

Openness

Open Adoption

Access to Records

Legalized Infant Abandonment (Safe Havens)

Regulation of Adoption Industry

Standards; Licensing

Advertising; Contacting Expectant Mothers

Profiteering in Adoption

International Adoption:  Origins-USA, Inc. opposes international placements unless necessary to provide medical care that the child cannot obtain in his or her own country.

Honest Adoption Language

Government Promotion of Adoption

Tax Incentives

Adoption Assistance Programs

Literature; Other Promotions

Commercial Reproduction

Marketing of Eggs:  Origins-USA, Inc. disapproves of the practice of exploiting the fertility of young women so that women too old to become pregnant naturally can bear children.

Artificial Insemination

Surrogacy

Data on the outcomes of adoption and child placements