[View the story "#BabyVeronica reignites debate on Native American adoption" on Storify ]#BabyVeronica reignites debate on Native American adoption Court ruling returns Native American child to white adoptive parents. Storified by AJAMStream · Fri, Aug 09 2013 15:35:35
She was initially given up for adoption by her mother, who wrote in a recent
Washington Post op-ed that the child belongs with her adoptive parents. Here are some excerpts:
I am Latina and not a member of any tribe.washingtonpost.com
When I asked my ex whether he wanted to be involved, he told me, by text message, that he wanted to give up all parental rights.washingtonpost.com
I handpicked this couple to raise my baby in an open adoption with me. We are a family. They were there for me — and, more importantly, for Veronica — when Veronica’s biological father was not.washingtonpost.com
Through a statement from his attorney, Brown
said he was devastated by the decision. The adoptive parents, Matt and Melanie Capobianco, said
in a statement they were thrilled their "daughter finally will be coming home."
For some, Veronica's story is part of a
wider issue of Native American children being removed from their homes and communities. Brown received custody of Veronica in 2011 through the
Indian Child Welfare Act , a federal law that gives tribal governments more control over child custody cases involving Native children.
The Cherokee Nation, the
largest Native American tribal government,
vowed to help Brown receive custody rights. They said the decision was made without keeping the child's best interests in mind:
We will not give up the fight for Dusten Brown to retain custody of his biological daughter, #BabyVeronica. https://www.cherokee.org/News/Stories/CherokeeNationstatementreBabyVeronica.aspxCherokeeNation
The National Congress of American Indians also
echoed that sentiment:
We are witnessing the final steps in a forced removal of a Native child from her father, her family, and her Native community.ncai.org
Americans were deeply divided over Wednesday’s ruling. Many online sympathized with Brown and disapproved of the ruling:
I believe the courts are discriminating against a Native American biological father. I wonder if his civil rights are being violated.Kelly Daugherty
Baby Veronica to be Adopted by White Couple http://fw.to/mNb1Peh #ICWA #CulturalGenocideLauren Chief Elk
In what whacked out world is a child taken from a biological parent who clearly wants to raise it!?? Beyond angry over #BabyVeronica order.Amanda Clinton
However, others agreed with the court ruling and referred to the adoptive parents as Veronica's family:
With all of the questionable decisions from the courts lately, it's really good to hear that this little girl will be reunited with her family!! Many prayers have been answered.Julia Bilsky
It's not who makes the baby or carries her but who loves and cares for her. I am happy for this family.Wanda Harrelson Chestnut
Glad this tearful story has happy ending. This couple raised baby Veronica for most of her life. They are her family. http://www.postandcourier.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130625/PC16/130629586/1180/supreme-court-sides-with-james-island-family-in-fight-for-baby-veronicaPeter A. Finocchio
What do you think about Veronica's case? Leave a comment below.
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