Community Attitudes Toward Birth Fathers’ Motives for Adoption Placement and Single Parenting

Abstract: Community attitudes toward birth fathers were examined using 82 exploratory qualitative interviews and 706 survey respondents in Canada. Community attitudes were more positive toward birth fathers raising their children over adoption, when birth mothers were unable or unwilling to parent the child. Overall, respondents considered birth fathers choosing adoption as responsible, caring, and unselfish. However, women disproportionately considered birth fathers choosing adoption as irresponsible and uncaring. Men considered these fathers too young, unable to provide, or powerless against the birth mother and her wishes. We consider implications for practitioners working with birth fathers dealing with adoption decisions and offer suggestions for further research.