Education

Birth Mother Rights and Open Adoption in Utah

September 05, 2025
By, Donna Pope

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Description:

In this episode of Adoption Utah with host Donna Pope, birth mother and advocate Lynea Krukiewicz unpacks Utah adoption through the lens of rights, privacy, and permanency described in the state's legislative intent, sharing lived experience behind what those promises look like in practice. She recounts a semi open adoption that narrowed over time, the strain of routing contact through attorneys, and the emotional reality of reunion while processing grief during another pregnancy.

Action Steps

The conversation stays grounded in Utah policy questions, including a mother's capacity to know her own mind while vulnerable and the best interest of the child as understood by the mother closest to the situation. Lynea argues women should be free to consider adoptive families beyond state lines rather than being landlocked by residence when seeking the right placement. She responds to coercion claims by insisting decisions belong to the mother and noting choices improve when basic needs and medical care are supported during the process.

Honoring Mothers

Drawing on work with the Utah Adoption Council, Lynea explains helping refine statutory wording and pushing for post placement care that asks birth mothers what was missing and fixes it in policy and practice. She highlights Utah-rooted support like Life After Placement and the Birth Mom Dinner that honor women with community, music, and a three course meal.

A Utah focused guide to adoption that elevates rights, choice, and respectful practice. Listen now and share with someone navigating adoption in Utah.

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