'So many families waiting to adopt': agencies prepared if adoption interest goes up soon

SAN ANTONIO — Local adoption agencies are looking out for our community's children, including the unborn, and said they are ready to step up, if needed.

With abortions after six weeks now banned it's possible more children will be placed for adoption.

“Adoption is not an alternative to abortion. Abortion is an alternative to pregnancy that's unwanted. But adoption is an alternative to parenting,” said Elizabeth Jurenovich with the Abrazo Adoption Associates.

It has been one week since SB8 became law in Texas. Now, abortions after six weeks are banned.

Some wonder if this will this lead to more adoptions? Jurenovich said it's normal to assume that. However, it isn't the typical outcome.

“Every time the state of Texas has restricted abortion access, or implemented laws that were intended to promote adoption, it seems to have the opposite effect,” said Jurenovich.

Jurenovich said it's too early to know if adoptions will increase or decrease. If the demand to adopt does increase she and Vera Marquez, Director of Placement Services at ABC Adoption, said both their agencies are prepared.

“There are 40 families waiting for every one baby that's placed for adoption nowadays,” said Jurenovich.

“There are so many families waiting, waiting to adopt. So, I don't I don't see a problem in finding families in case there is you know, this huge increase, but not at all,” said Marquez.

Right now, Jurenovich's biggest concern is what could happen to the children.

“My fear is that what we're going to see is a massive increase in the number of children who are subject to abuse or neglect," said Jurenovich.

Licensed adoption agencies in Texas can help expectant mothers with medical care, counseling, housing and food among other things.