However, seven out of 10 women who possess a biblical worldview stated that their religious beliefs would have the greatest influence on their decision, making them the only religious subgroup for which more than three out of 10 women cited their faith as a major influence.
According to John Knox, founder of The Opt Institute, the research indicates overall that women are seeking trustworthy advice and that there is a big opportunity at hand for pastors to make a difference, if they are willing to speak openly and affirmatively about the benefits of adoption.
“Adoption is a sacrificial loving option that’s surprisingly not talked about in most churches. Too many churches are afraid of getting political, but now, with Roe v. Wade being overturned, the Church has a wonderful opportunity to lead and reintroduce adoption back into the conversation," he says. "When faced with an unintended pregnancy, research shows women feel they only have two choices— abortion and parenting. But, we know from a biblical standpoint that adoption is an option that has been modeled from the beginning. Christianity has a rich and beautiful theological tradition that can help frame the beauty of the self-sacrificial choice of adoption, and church leaders should not be afraid to proclaim that truth.”
The study also noted that there is no single type of information source that harbors substantial influence on women’s opinions about adoption. When the sample of women of childbearing age was asked to indicate how much influence each of 10 sources of influence had upon their attitudes and opinions related to adoption, only one source was said to have “a lot” of influence by at least one out of every four women — family, listed by 28%. Their religious leaders ranked second, with 22% of women claiming those leaders had a lot of influence on their thinking about adoption.
“This research has provided us with valuable insight into who is influencing women. Family members are the strongest influence on women across all ages. But perhaps surprisingly, we learned that, for many women, doctors and medical professionals have a greater influence even than friends and peers. So, we must equip medical and mental health professionals in fully understanding the benefits of adoption, so that they can provide the most accurate, helpful information to the women they serve. Opt Institute is committed to educating and supporting the advisors that women trust.”
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Adoption & Its Competitors in American Society: Results of a National Survey Regarding Adoption in the United States in 2022
by George Barna
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The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Knox says, has also provided another group with an important opportunity to speak up and be heard.
“While adoption has always been an option for women, the Supreme Court’s decision has many people talking about the choices that women have when facing an unplanned pregnancy. Those of us who have been touched by adoption have experienced what a life-giving and positive choice it is, and this moment in history has provided us with the opportunity to share that message with others.”
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