Calls to the ASIST Helpline have risen during 2009 compared to the previous two years since the circulation of our updated leaflet “Baby Adoption Today”. We received 13 new calls in 2007, 20 in 2008 and 59 in 2009. Many situations require several follow up calls and research into local adoption provision and contacts.

The majority of calls are requests for the leaflet, from GPs, other Health professionals, and Pregnancy Crisis Centres but a considerable number is from women wanting to know about adoption for their babies.

Case Studies

• Mother of a young Asian woman (20) rang from NW of England 30 weeks pregnant. Confidentiality very important to her we couldn’t send a leaflet and she didn’t want to go to hr GP or Social Services. Suggested ‘Adoption NW’ but they no longer arrange baby adoptions. Contacted Care in Chester who offered to help. Gave caller Care Confidential phone number and contact name.

• Caller’s friend (age 16) 22 weeks pregnant and considering late abortion, had previous abortion and subsequently three miscarriages. Caller’s friend not sure about adoption, the baby’s father broken off relationship but strongly against adoption. Discussed mother’s concern - whether she could choose parents for the baby – or could it be adopted by someone she knows? Friend will ring again for further information and leaflet.
  

• A client requested to have baby adopted. Previous baby adopted 4 years ago through her London Borough SS. Wanted to have baby adopted and be involved in choice of parents for baby. Told by SS that if she opted for adoption, baby would be taken into care at birth and she would have no further input into its future. She sought legal advice and was able to keep the baby. She received ongoing support.
  

• Call from a student in Yorkshire studying to be a GP who was concerned about the lack of information and training about adoption. He said there was plenty of information about abortion and support for keeping the baby but nothing about adoption. Sent him leaflets for student ‘open day’.
  

• Mother contacted ASIST as her teenage daughter had just told them she was pregnant at 28 weeks and therefore too late for a termination. Mother feels daughter is too emotionally immature to parent the baby although she is prepared to support her if necessary. Daughter then phoned to ask for information about adoption.