U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday affirming November as National Adoption Month in the United States.

Aderholt, long one of Alabama’s most outspoken pro-life leaders, said in a Facebook post, “Protecting the most vulnerable among us has always been, and always will be, a top priority of mine. That’s why I was proud to sponsor a resolution in Congress reaffirming November as National Adoption Month.‬”

The resolution has 38 cosponsors as of Tuesday morning. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) is among the 16 Democrats signing on to the measure.

Aderholt’s resolution provides estimates that say 424,000 American children are currently in foster care; 122,200 of whom are waiting for adoption.

“This action promotes national awareness of adoption, celebrates children and families involved in adoption, and encourages the people of the United States to secure safety, permanency, and well-being for all children,” Aderholt added with regards to the purpose of his resolution.

To that end, his legislation notes that a survey conducted in 2019 showed that only 21% of respondents had considered or were considering adoption, and only about half viewed adoption through the foster care system favorably.

The federal government’s resources for families looking to adopt can be found here.

President Donald Trump, as presidents have traditionally done in the past, proclaimed November as National Adoption Month on October 30.

Aderholt’s resolution additionally designates Saturday, November 21 as National Adoption Day for the year, a day always observed on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

Aderholt’s resolution can be read in full here.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: [email protected] or on Twitter @HenryThornton95.