U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) wants to ensure there is proper oversight and transparency in the process for Americans who adopt a child.
Aderholt introduced the Adoption Deserves Oversight, Protection, and Transparency (ADOPT) Act, which protects adoptive families, children, and expectant mothers from exploitation by unlicensed adoption intermediaries.
The congressman was joined by original co-sponsors Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.), Rep. Laurel Lee (R-Fla.), and Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.).
“Every child deserves the chance to find a loving, forever home in a safe and ethical way,” Aderholt said. “For too long, unlicensed intermediaries have exploited vulnerable birth mothers and prospective adoptive parents.”
The legislation requires adoption providers and attorneys to operate only in states where they are licensed, ensuring that adoptive families have access to licensed, regulated, and trustworthy providers in their communities.
It also prevents the commodification of children by holding bad actors accountable and establishes oversight to stop intermediaries who operate outside moral and ethical standards. It was introduced with bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress, showing the shared commitment to protecting vulnerable birth mothers and prospective parents.
“The ADOPT Act ensures that adoption providers operate aboveboard and within the law,” Aderholt continued. “I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to protect families and children from bad practices and to promote responsible, caring adoption services.”
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) has already introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
“I believe it is incumbent upon Congress to ensure loving parents pursuing adoption to grow their families, expectant mothers working with adoption providers, and children are protected from bad actors seeking to take advantage of the adoption process,” Britt said.
“This legislation does just that, establishing necessary oversight in the adoption process to promote transparency and uphold the integrity of adoption in our nation. I’ll always use my position on the federal level to fight for women, children, and families, and I’m proud to join my colleagues in this latest effort to defend those involved in the adoption process from exploitation.”
Introduced during National Adoption Month, the ADOPT Act is an important step to ensure safe and transparent adoption practices.
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee
