Legal issues in nonrelated infant adoption: nursing implications.
OBJECTIVE
To highlight the legal issues surrounding nonrelated infant adoptions.


METHODS
Parties in the adoption triad--the infant, the biological parent(s), and the adoptive parent(s).


CONCLUSIONS
Current adoption laws have been influenced by a historical stigmatization of adoption by society, states' sovereignty rights, and individual's constitutional rights. Controversies surrounding nonrelated infant adoptions have highlighted the inadequacies of the present system of adoption laws and regulations. Nurses can take a proactive role in their practice by acquiring a clear understanding of the legal issues surrounding adoption.


CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge about state adoption laws, regulations, and resources, as well as the legal issues surrounding infant adoption, will allow the nurse to take a proactive role in formulating and providing supportive interventions that assist all parties through the process.
Lobar
S L
SL
Family-Community Department, School of Nursing-Broward Program, Florida International University, Ft. Lauderdale, USA. lobars@solix.fiu.edu
Phillips
S
S
Simunek
L A
LA
D000300:Adoption / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002961:Civil Rights; D003219:Confidentiality; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D010371:Pediatric Nursing; D014481:United States