Author Topic: Single Parent - Mandatory Adoption? (Read 2457 times)

Peter15and1 · « **on:** October 23, 2015, 08:02:57 AM »

From time to time, I read other traditional Catholic online fora. Recently, I was reading a thread on another website that shocked me somewhat. The thread was discussing the case of women who become pregnant outside of wedlock. As the thread went on, some people began taking the position that in all cases of single parents--whether it be out-of-wedlock pregnancies, a innocent spouse in a divorce, and even widows--society and the Church should try and force the adoption of the child, so that it has both a mother and a father.

To me, this seems rather heartless, and I have a hard time believing that this a Church teaching. I know that having both a mother and father is the ideal situation, but forcing a widow to give her child up for adoption because her husband died just seem cruel.

JezusDeKoning · « **Reply #1 on:** October 23, 2015, 08:37:58 AM »

Single parenting does not immediately discredit someone from being able to solidly raise a kid. That and in all of those situations, the situation could be resolved so that there would be multiple forces at play.

Patrick JK Gray · « **Reply #2 on:** October 23, 2015, 08:59:42 AM »

Quote from: Peter15and1

From time to time, I read other traditional Catholic online fora. Recently, I was reading a thread on another website that shocked me somewhat. The thread was discussing the case of women who become pregnant outside of wedlock. As the thread went on, some people began taking the position that in all cases of single parents--whether it be out-of-wedlock pregnancies, a innocent spouse in a divorce, and even widows--society and the Church should try and force the adoption of the child, so that it has both a mother and a father.

To me, this seems rather heartless, and I have a hard time believing that this a Church teaching. I know that having both a mother and father is the ideal situation, but forcing a widow to give her child up for adoption because her husband died just seem cruel.

I agree with illegitimate children (such was always the policy of the Church with regard to the Magdalenes or penitents in the much-slandered institutions for their repentance), but the other two seem unnecessary. There is always the hope than the sinful party will reconcile.

Patrick JK Gray · « **Reply #3 on:** October 23, 2015, 09:15:14 AM »

Quote from: Patrick JK Gray

Quote from: Peter15and1
From time to time, I read other traditional Catholic online fora. Recently, I was reading a thread on another website that shocked me somewhat. The thread was discussing the case of women who become pregnant outside of wedlock. As the thread went on, some people began taking the position that in all cases of single parents--whether it be out-of-wedlock pregnancies, a innocent spouse in a divorce, and even widows--society and the Church should try and force the adoption of the child, so that it has both a mother and a father.

To me, this seems rather heartless, and I have a hard time believing that this a Church teaching. I know that having both a mother and father is the ideal situation, but forcing a widow to give her child up for adoption because her husband died just seem cruel.

I agree with illegitimate children (such was always the policy of the Church with regard to the Magdalenes or penitents in the much-slandered institutions for their repentance), but the other two seem unnecessary. There is always the hope than the sinful party will reconcile.

I ought to add that these holy institutions are viciously attacked for no other reason than to excuse the sins for which the penitents were committed for. If, for instance, the notorious Miss Philomena Lee says that' We were so browbeaten, it was such a sin. It was an awful thing to have a baby out of wedlock' it is because it is abominable and deserves a penitential life which will bring the blessings of God on the penitent.

Someone who can commit commit fornication is quite unfit to bring up a child.

Ava · « **Reply #4 on:** October 23, 2015, 09:35:46 AM »

I participated in that discussion. I find the idea that it's a sin not to give the child up for adoption to be completely unfounded in Catholic teaching. Not to mention that the mother may not even have a choice in many scenarios.

If a traditional Catholic girl were to end up with child, out of wedlock, I would only suggest adoption if there was a traditional catholic couple available. Placing through an organization like Catholic Charities is a guarantee of nothing.