To the editor:

As a mother who lost a child to adoption, I am offended and appalled that the award-winning film “Juno” makes light of a serious issue and will foster myths of adoption.

As the film depicts, those adopting almost always have legal counsel, while those suffering a grievous loss do not. The playing field is very uneven to begin with, and surrendering places mothers in a powerless and socially disfavored position.

The film ends where the reality of Juno’s loss begins.

My personal experience confirms what studies have found: that mothers who lose children to adoption suffer traumatic stress disorder and are at risk for long-term physical, psychological and social repercussions. Additionally, surrendering a child for adoption leaves women with a disproportionate rate of secondary infertility.

I am a member of Origins-USA.org, a national organization representing mothers who lost children to adoption, which is opposed to the message of this film and which offers support to mothers who have, or are considering, the adoption of their child.

The film is a sad commentary on intergenerational familial breakdown beginning with Juno’s abandonment by her mother. It has a potential danger of being seen as a happily-ever-after scenario.

Karen L. Dawber,
Lawrence