A Mother Gives Her Child Up for Adoption Every Three Days in Brazil

06/25/2018 - 12h19

A study carried out by Folha shows that, every three days, at least one mother seeks courts to give her baby up for adoption in Brazil.

From January to May, 203 cases were registered; however, the number is higher because only 11 of the 27 courts supply data.

The Child Statute says mothers can voluntarily give their child up for adoption; however, few people know they have this right.

A law sanctioned in November gives mothers the right to secrecy and calls for steps and deadlines for assistance. The goals are to prevent mothers from abandoning their babies, protect women and children and stop irregular adoptions.

Courts say that women who wish to place their babies for adoption voluntarily are still the target of prejudice.

Secrecy inside hospitals is not always kept and there are risks of middlemen taking advantage of the situation, says Walter Gomes, the supervisor of the Childhood and Youth Court of Brasília.

During the process up until the adoption, children stay at foster homes and mothers receive psychological support. The data show that 40% of the mothers change their minds.

Translated by THOMAS MUELLO

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