Atlanta Journal Constitution

Letter to the Editor

Constitution: Reader responses:
CHILD ABANDONMENT
Group opposes failed drop-off policies
Nancy Becker - For the Journal-Constitution
Wednesday March 1

In her column on unwanted newborns, Mona Charen refers to Bastard Nation as an "adoption opponent." In fact, Bastard Nation's membership is made up of adoptees, birth parents, adoptive parents and other persons who believe in equal rights for adult adoptees, as well as openness and accountability in adoption. Bastard Nation does not oppose adoption. However, we do oppose feel-good laws that legalize abandonment. A proposal for such a law in Georgia has been introduced in the House. In Texas, the law has clearly failed, as not one baby has been abandoned within the "system," yet at least three babies have been found abandoned in more traditional ways. Texas's oversimplified law clearly is not working. Georgia does not need to follow down that same mistaken path.

NANCY BECKER

Becker, of Bowersville, is the state director for Bastard Nation.