Mormon church made me give up my baby

The Mormon Church and the Cost of Forgiveness

For many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the concept of repentance is sacrosanct. But what if this sacred sacrament comes at an unbearable personal cost? A number of women, indoctrinated by religious diktats, have felt compelled to surrender their newborns as a form of penitence, thus abandoning part of their motherhood in search of forgiveness. The Mormon Stories Podcast recently broadcasted one such account, shedding light on how deeply the sense of religious obligation can affect personal life-altering decisions.

Understanding the Historical Context of LDS Adoption Practices

The practice of adoption within the LDS Church is tied to complex theological beliefs. For decades, the Church has advocated for adoption as the best option for unwed mothers. This stems from the belief that children should be raised in a "traditional" family setting, with both a mother and a father sealed in the temple. In cases where this ideal could not be achieved, single mothers were often counseled to offer their children to faithful couples who could provide this environment.

During the late 20th century, the Church’s Adoption Services were known to reassure single mothers that giving up their child was a way to repent for the sin of premarital relations. The narrative suggested that adoption was not just an act of love for the child, but an act of loyalty and reverence towards God. These women often felt that sacrificing their child would cleanse them from sin, bringing them closer to spiritual redemption.

Key Claims from Women Shaped by Doctrine