Birthmother Research Project
J. Kelly M.A.

The Trauma of Relinquishment: The Long-term Impact of Relinquishment on Birthmothers Who Lost Their Infants to Adoption During the Years 1965-1972

ABSTRACT. This study examined the long-term impact of relinquishment on birthmothers and explored the social construction of the birthmother experience. A survey was conducted to obtain measures of post-relinquishment stress symptoms, emotions, behaviors, and perceptions. A gender-specific health inventory and demographic questions were included. Seventy-nine women who relinquished their infants to adoption during the years 1965 through 1972 responded to the survey. Three birthmothers participated in a post-survey discussion group for the purpose of providing greater depth to the analysis of the survey data. Major findings of the study were: (1) the relinquishment experience was a traumatic life event for 99% of the participants; (2) 97% of the respondents reported being misled or misinformed of the effects of relinquishment; and (3) 94% of the participants reported that they did not receive adequate counseling at the time of the relinquishment. The profound effects of the imposition of secrecy was a prominent theme in the post-survey discussion group. That 41% of the survey participants had received hysterectomies is a finding that merits further investigation. Implications for social action, clinical counseling, and future research were discussed.

Dedication
Acknowledgements
Chapter One: Introduction
Chapter Two: Literature Review
Chapter Three: Methodology
Chapter Four: Results
Chapter Five: Discussion
Postscript
Appendices
References
Summarized Survey Results

RESEARCHER:
Judy Kelly, M.A., C.P.A.C.
National Certified Counselor
email: judy.kelly@att.net

ABOUT THE AUTHOR. . . Judy Kelly is a Certified Post-Adoption Counselor in New York City, a reunited birthmother, and facilitator of the Manhattan Birthparents Support Group. This research project was conducted as part of the requirements for her Master's degree in Psychology & Counseling at Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont. For further information, click here.

Copyright © 1999-2003 Judy Kelly. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission of the author.

Note: The words "birthmother" or "birthparent" are derogatory terms utilized by adoption "counselors" and "facilitators" in order to diminish a mother into playing a solely reproductive role in her child's life. The terms "birthmother" and "birthparents" are used on this site as a consession to search-engine requirements for a North American audience. The terms "mother", "single mother", "natural mother," and "exiled mother" are acknowledged to be accurate, respectful, and nonderogatory terms. See "Why Birthmother Means Breeder" by Diane Turski for more information.

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