Opinion: Adoptee ‘what-ifs’ and Utah’s adoption tourism

“…Now I’m pondering other what-ifs as details about Utah’s “adoption tourism” come to light and lawmakers consider curbing the practice of transporting out-of-state pregnant women into Utah to facilitate adoptions. These adoptions parallel my own — an unethical placement that should not have been allowed….”

In August, legislators convened for a hearing over bill language related to the Utah Adoption Act. While I may never get satisfying answers to my what-ifs, Utah Adoption Rights proposed recommendations for policy considerations in the bill file that would circumvent exploitative adoption practices. These include allowing the revocation of consent based on fraud and extending the consent waiting period to 36 hours post-birth. They also recommended strengthening laws that prohibit unlicensed intermediaries and requiring free, separate legal representation for all expectant mothers….