BRIAN Dempsey argues that the welfare of children must be the primary concern in the adoption process (Letters, January 29.) From this undisputed truth he moves on to erroneously argue that as a consequence the only consideration to be made is who is best qualified to raise the child.
He ignores the needs of the birth parents, who are the other (equally necessary) half of the equation. Almost all birth parents are keen to ensure that their child is placed with a family who is equipped to provide the upbringing which they themselves would desire to offer, but which they recognise they are unable to grant. Often this (perfectly reasonably) includes that the child is raised in a particular religion. Saint Margaret's goes to great lengths to meet these religious needs, whether Catholic or otherwise.
Without this provision many parents may not place their child for adoption at all, and consequently the welfare of the adoptee is not given the primary emphasis Mr Dempsey advocates. Rather it is subordinated to the pursuance of a state-enforced "equality" cult to which not all subscribe.
Saint Margaret's is the only Catholic adoption agency in Scotland, and it continues to exist only because parents voluntarily choose to use it to place their children for adoption. Closing it down would result in fewer children across the country being placed and further limit Scottish adoption opportunities for all prospective adopters.
This includes same-sex couples who would face increased competition at the dozens of adoption facilities already available to them.
Chris McLaughlin,
71b Braidpark Drive,
Giffnock.
I WOULD like to add a positive response to Catriona Stewart's wish to adopt a child – I hope she will have many more ("Adopting a single-minded view on parenthood", The Herald, January 26).
My husband and I adopted two children, a boy and then a girl, and also received negative comments such as "but you don't know where they have come from".
Over the years they have brought us love, joy, and yes sometimes worry and anxiety (for them). Doesn't natural progeny bring this too?
The idea of sending a baby back like an unwanted puppy fills me with horror.
We now have the added joy of five grandchildren.
Go for it, Catriona.
Rev June Cloggie,
11a Tulipan Crescent,
Callander.
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