PURPOSE: To highlight the legal issues surrounding nonrelated infant adoptions. POPULATION: Parties in the adoption triad--the infant, the biological parent(s), and the adoptive parent(s). CONCLUSIONS: Current adoption laws have been influenced by a historical stigmatization of adoption by society, states' sovereignty rights, and individual's constitutional rights. Controversies surrounding nonrelated infant adoptions have highlighted the inadequacies of the present system of adoption laws and regulations. Nurses can take a proactive role in their practice by acquiring a clear understanding of the legal issues surrounding adoption. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Knowledge about state adoption laws, regulations, and resources, as well as the legal issues surrounding infant adoption, will allow the nurse to take a proactive role in formulating and providing supportive interventions that assist all parties through the process.
