African couples living with infertility : adoption approach

The study stands to inform the Faith communities that they can show their support by means of material, social and spiritual assistance for couples dealing with infertility and those who adopt a child. It also stands to equip religious leaders to facilitate education on matters of adoption and parenting so that they can work actively to create awareness. This qualitative study investigates the acceptability of adoption in an African context through a narrative inquiry involving thirty participants– ten couples living with infertility and ten pastors. A thematic analysis led to the following meta-themes: (1) challenges of infertility, (2) perceptions of adoption, (3) decision to adopt, (4) acceptance for adoption, (5) management of the adoption process, and (6) promoting adoption. These results indicate that adoption is a viable alternative in many ways. However, not many African couples really consider it seriously. Concerns include the lack of kinship with the adopted child, worries about the child’s genetic background, stigmatization from society, judgment from the family, fear of adjustment issues, a fear of being deserted by their children in their last years, and worries about their ability to love an adopted child.

Factors that influence the acceptance of adoption include positive personal experiences, exposure to positive cases of adoption, education with regard to matters of adoption, the emotional relief having a child could bring, the validation of the adoption by the family and faith community, and positive societal attitudes. The study found that pastors and faith communities can actively reduce the stigmatization surrounding adoption and enhance public awareness, fostering a more informed and supportive environment for all involved. This can be done by supporting couples who want to adopt. The public and the media can portray positive adoption stories.