Our Works of Charity / David Bethuram

Mother’s adoption decision honors child’s life and offers hope

Pope John Paul II established March 25 as the International Day of the Unborn Child to recognize the value of unborn life and stand against abortion. This date coincides with the feast of the Annunciation of the Lord, commemorating the moment Jesus Christ was conceived in Mary’s womb.

At Catholic Charities, we provide support and hope to those facing unplanned pregnancies. Our services include confidential counseling, residential programs, parenting support and adoption assistance. We believe that every life is sacred and that every child deserves a loving, stable family. Our experienced adoption professionals guide birth mothers through each step of the process—from their first questions to post-placement support.

Jenna’s story: A mother’s love, a life-changing choice

When Jenna discovered she was pregnant with her third child, she immediately began thinking about his future. Like any mother, she wanted her son to have every opportunity in life—to grow, to thrive, to become the best version of himself.

But Jenna’s circumstances were difficult. She was in jail, facing a prison sentence of five to seven years. Because she already had two children, she feared they might forget her—or even resent her. She couldn’t change the past, but she could make a different choice for her unborn child.

Seeking guidance, Jenna reached out to Catholic Charities to explore adoption. A birth mother counselor visited her in jail, providing information and answering her questions. Jenna had a clear vision for the kind of family she wanted for her baby: a stable, two-parent home with both a mother and a father. Although some of her relatives offered to raise her son, she didn’t feel they could provide the life she dreamed for him.

Open adoption was also important to Jenna. She longed to remain connected to her son as he grew and hoped to find a family willing to bring him to visit her in prison. While many families are open to ongoing contact in adoption, the level of access Jenna requested was uncommon.

A family ready to open their hearts

The Goodard family first learned about adoption through an informational meeting at Catholic Charities. Both successful professionals, they had one child and were eager to expand their family. After completing the necessary education and preparation, they were matched with Jenna.

Because of Jenna’s incarceration, their first meeting took place by video conference. From the very beginning, the Goodard’s had no hesitation—they were fully committed. They built a relationship with Jenna before the baby was even born, reassuring her that her son would be deeply loved and cared for.

Honoring Jenna’s wishes, the Goodard’s navigated the complex process of securing prison visits so she could remain a part of her son’s life.

A choice made with love

Today, Jenna keeps in touch with Catholic Charities through occasional letters. She is grateful for the opportunity to see her son grow and flourish, knowing she made the best possible choice for both of them.

Through adoption, she gave her child a future filled with love and stability—one beyond what she had ever imagined.
 

(David Bethuram is executive director of the archdiocesan Secretariat for Catholic Charities. You can contact him at dbethuram@archindy.org.) †