'Too soon to tell': Area adoption agencies prepare for potential increase of babies up for adoption

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Some adoption agencies in Wisconsin say they are preparing for a potential increase in adoptions following the overturning of Roe V. Wade.

The Supreme Court decision leaves one less option for women in Wisconsin.

"We are definitely here and adoption will definitely be one of those options. There are plenty of families that will be available," Angie Flannery said.

Angie Flannery is the executive director of Adoption Choice, Inc. It is a private adoption agency in Wisconsin. The agency primarily works with women who voluntarily give up their infant child.

"Because they don't feel like they can provide for that child, are equipped, are too young to parent," Flannery said.

With Roe v. Wade now overturned, Flannery believes it is possible more women who have an unexpected pregnancy may look at adoption as an option. The agency also does option counseling for any mother that comes in for help.

"We do talk about three options: terminating the pregnancy, parenting, or placing for adoption," Flannery said.

While it's still too early to tell, she said the agency is prepared to take an influx of women looking for help in the coming months.

"We do know that some of our bordering states, abortion is still legal. So will they travel? It remains to be seen I think," Flannery said,

Oriana Carey, the CEO of the Coalition for Children, Youth and Families, also said it is too soon to predict a potential increase in adoptions.
In a statement, she said:

“Concerning the Supreme Court’s decision on Roe v. Wade, we believe it is too soon to evaluate or predict any potential increase in the need for adoption information for families or birth mothers. With that said, the Coalition for Children, Youth & Families continues to advocate that all children have strong, resilient, and nurturing families. We are and will continue to be a caring, compassionate, and informative resource for all individuals and families who want to learn more about adoption, foster care, or caring for a relative’s child.”

Flannery said regardless of what a woman decides, no choice is an easy one.

"None of the women that come to us and ultimately choose adoption do it because it's an easy choice. Many of them struggle with that choice and do not take it lightly," Flannery said.

Flannery said we may also start to see more relative adoptions, like grandparents or aunts and uncles adopting. It is something her agency has seen in recent years.