Abstract

FARAJ, Suane Pastoriza; MACHADO, Mônica Sperb; SIQUEIRA, Aline Cardoso  and  CAMPEOL, Ângela Roos. "It hurt on me a lot": Experience of surrendering a child from birthmothers. Estud. pesqui. psicol. [online]. 2017, vol.17, n.2, pp. 475-493. ISSN 1808-4281.

This study aimed to understand the phenomenon of giving a child away for adoption, from the perspective of mothers who abdicate mothering. Based on interviews with three mothers who gave their children away, findings underline that social and economic, family and emotional factors were present throughout the decision process of giving a child away. Such decision was followed up by suffering and by the feeling of being impossible to take care of the child. Moreover, actions carried out by health care professionals and child protection agents, when facing the mother's decision of giving the child away for adoption, were not always according to what is recommended by Law 12.010, culminating with violation of rights. Therefore, this study highlights the need to apply public policies that aim at legal and psychological assistance to mothers who give their children away for adoption.

Keywords : relinquish; adoption; mothering.

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