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BAAF comment on Greenslade verdict

Issued: 21 May 04

Leading childcare charity the British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF) today commented on the verdict in the Moira Greenslade case. Greenslade, who admitted three offences under the Adoption Act by attempting to sell her unborn baby over the internet to two different couples, has been jailed for two years. She also admitted signing an agreement with a third couple after placing an advert on the website offering to give the same baby up for adoption.

Felicity Collier, BAAF's chief executive says:

“In the UK private adoption is against the law. Mothers cannot choose an adoptive parent for their child and all adoptions, unless they involve applications by relatives, must be made through an adoption agency and the adopters must have been approved as suitable. These arrangements are there to protect children.

“We understand that couples may desperately want a baby, and we recognise the enormous contribution that infertile couples make as approved adopters, but the desire for a child cannot excuse buying a baby or breaking the law.

“The state regulates adoption to protect vulnerable children and as soon as people enter into this type of adult arrangement the needs of children become secondary.”

Ends

Contact:

Lucy Handford, Media Assistant, 020 7593 2054

Note

1. The British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF) is the UK's leading adoption and fostering charity.