Choosing Adoption

Donna Pope
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Choosing Adoption creates community for expectant and birth parents navigating one of life's most personal decisions. Host Donna Pope, Executive Director of Heart To Heart Adoptions with over 25 years of experience, provides space where your story matters and your voice is valued. Each episode features birth parents who share their journeys of challenges, growth, and healing after placement. If you're considering adoption or seeking connection in your ongoing experience, this podcast offers practical guidance, emotional support, and faith-centered encouragement. Connect with others who truly understand your path and find the resources you need at every stage of your journey. New episodes every week because no one should walk this path alone. Subscribe for birth parent support that meets you exactly where you are.

Episodes

  1. 11/27/2025

    Because We Loved Him — We Chose the Life That Gave Him More

    In this episode of Choosing Adoption with host Donna Pope, birth parents Kaylee and Elijah sit alongside adoptive parents Paul and Cassie with baby Seth to share their adoption story together. This rare conversation reveals what happens when both families commit to building an open adoption relationship from day one. Finding the Right Family Kaylee and Elijah were extremely selective about who would raise their son. After saying no to almost every profile, they connected with Paul and Cassie and knew immediately. Paul reminded Kaylee of her boyfriend, and the couple promised to make sure Seth always knew the deep love that his birth parents still have for him. That commitment to honoring his origins sealed the decision. A Relationship Built on Love The birth parents spent four days in the hospital bonding with Seth before signing papers. The adoptive parents let them set the pace, never pressuring or hovering. Today, Elijah describes Paul as a younger brother, and both couples anticipate a close, ongoing friendship. They want Seth to grow up knowing he has four parents who love him more than most children ever experience. Discover how two families became one through open adoption. Subscribe to Choosing Adoption for stories that show what's possible when love leads the way.   #BirthParents #AdoptiveParents #OpenAdoption #ChoosingAdoption #BirthMotherStory #BirthFatherStory #AdoptionJourney #FourParentsOneBaby #OpenAdoptionSuccess #AdoptionRelationships #BirthParentVoice #AdoptiveFamily #AdoptionIsLove #RealAdoptionStories Follow or Subscribe to Choosing Adoption on your favorite platforms: Website | YouTube | Twitter/X | Instagram Follow Donna Pope (LinkedIn)

  2. 11/24/2025

    Birth Parents Find Hope Through Open Adoption While Homeless

    Alexandra and Michael Hatherley were living in the woods in Florida when Alexandra discovered she was pregnant with Owen. In this episode of Choosing Adoption with host Donna Pope, they share how they found Heart To Heart Adoptions and made the choice to place their son for adoption while relocating from Florida to Utah for a fresh start. When Adoption Creates Opportunity Their story reveals what happens when birth parents receive genuine support during a crisis pregnancy. After placing Owen in January 2023, they secured their own apartment, established jobs, and eventually welcomed their daughter Kaleesi, whom they chose to parent. Today, they maintain a close open adoption relationship with Owen's family, including visits and regular communication. Both Were Adopted Themselves Alexandra and Michael both survived foster care and adoption themselves, bringing a unique perspective to their placement decision. Alexandra experienced a failed closed adoption in 2015 with no contact, making her fearful of trying again. Heart To Heart's open adoption approach eased those fears, and today they celebrate Owen's upcoming third birthday with his adoptive family while raising Kaleesi and planning future adoptions. Discover Alexandra and Michael's journey from homelessness to stability and hear how open adoption transformed multiple lives. Subscribe to Choosing Adoption for stories that show how support changes everything. #BirthParents #OpenAdoption #ChoosingAdoption #BirthParentStory #AdoptionIsLove #AdoptionSupport #OpenAdoptionSuccess #AdoptionJourney #BirthParentJourney #LifeAfterPlacement #AdoptionStory #BirthParentSupport #OpenAdoptionLove Follow or Subscribe to Choosing Adoption on your favorite platforms: Website | YouTube | Twitter/X | Instagram Follow  Donna Pope   (LinkedIn)

  3. 10/31/2025

    Native American Birth Mother Finds Her Light in Choosing Adoption

    Jonessa Price, a 28-year-old Native American birth mother from Arizona, shares her adoption journey and the challenges she faced navigating the Indian Child Welfare Act while seeking the right path for her son. In this episode of Choosing Adoption, with host Donna Pope, Jonessa discusses finding Heart To Heart Adoptions through what she describes as a sign, and how their support made the hardest decision feel like home. Tribal Myths vs. Reality Despite pressure from her tribe to place within Native American families, Jonessa trusted her instincts when the support she needed wasn't there. Her relationship with the adoptive family became the bright light in a difficult situation, bringing joy even during struggle. Today, she maintains an open adoption relationship and calls her son "our little light." Right to Choose Help Jonessa's story reminds us that birth mothers deserve the right to choose where they receive support and who will parent their children. Her advice to other women considering adoption is simple: take a deep breath, give yourself a hug, and know that support is always there. Discover Jonessa's complete adoption journey and hear how finding the right family made all the difference. Subscribe to Choosing Adoption for stories that honor every birth mother's right to choose what feels right. Website Links Follow or Subscribe to Choosing Adoption on your favorite platforms: Website | YouTube | Twitter/X | Instagram Follow Donna Pope (LinkedIn)

  4. 10/17/2025

    When Birth Mothers Choose Adoption Out of Love

    In this episode of Choosing Adoption, Emily shares her birth mother journey that began when she discovered her pregnancy at 16. Her mother's immediate response set the tone for everything that followed: wrapping her arms around Emily and saying they'd get through it together. Her adoption counselor made clear to everyone that this was Emily's decision alone, creating space for her to choose without pressure from any direction. Finding the Right Family and Building Trust Emily spoke with multiple families before finding the one where she felt an instant bond. The relationship built during pregnancy proved genuine when her daughter Beth was born. Emily describes the placement as the hardest thing she's ever done, crying for six months afterward, yet she never doubted her decision. She learned to hold both grief and peace at the same time, missing her baby while finding joy in seeing Beth thrive. A Mother's Love Twenty-five years later, Emily maintains a close relationship with Beth and her adoptive family. She went dress shopping with Beth two days before her wedding and sang at the ceremony. The adoptive mother describes their relationship as a team, with both mothers providing what the other cannot. Emily's message challenges the harmful phrase that birth mothers give up their children, instead offering a truth that transforms the narrative: I didn't give you up, I gave a mother's love. Listen now to hear how love creates families in unexpected ways. Follow or Subscribe to Choosing Adoption on your favorite platforms: Website: https://choosingadoption.com/ YouTube: http://youtube.com/@ChoosingAdoption Twitter/X: http://x.com/choosingadoptn Instagram: https://instagram.com/choosingadoptionshow/ Follow Donna Pope: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/donna-pope-41652ba/ Follow Emily Meikle: Instagram: https://www.youtube.com/@emilymeiklemusic

  5. 10/09/2025

    Loved Her Enough to Let Her Go

    In this episode of Choosing Adoption with host Donna Pope, birth mother Kaylee Anglesey challenges the misconception that birth mothers don't care enough about their children. At 19, she placed her daughter because she loved her so much that giving her the life she deserved mattered more than keeping her close. This perspective reveals adoption as an act of profound love rather than abandonment. Truth and Genuine Connection Kaylee approached her decision by demanding honesty, asking other birth mothers to share real experiences without sugar-coating the challenges. Her parents supported her with facts instead of pressure, allowing her to explore every option fully. The adoptive family she chose, the Courtneys, saw Kaylee as a complete person and built genuine friendship during the pregnancy. Adoption Without Separation When Posey arrived on Halloween, love surrounded everyone in the delivery room as they supported Kaylee through the most vulnerable moment. Her ongoing weekly visits and close relationship with the family demonstrate that adoption can add love to lives instead of redirecting them. Kaylee's courage to seek truth and demand authentic connection created a decision she's never questioned. Discover how honesty and being valued create confidence that lasts. Hear Kaylee's complete story to learn the importance of building relationships in the adoption journey. Subscribe to Choosing Adoption for conversations that explore how birth mothers and families can find solutions when traditional support systems fall short. YouTube Links:  Follow or Subscribe to Choosing Adoption on your favorite platforms: Website: https://choosingadoption.com/ YouTube: http://youtube.com/@ChoosingAdoption Twitter/X: http://x.com/choosingadoptn Instagram: https://instagram.com/choosingadoptionshow/ Follow Donna Pope: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/donna-pope-41652ba/ Follow Kaylee Anglesey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayleeanglesey/

  6. 10/02/2025

    Premature Adoption Story - A 32 Week Bundle of Joy

    In this episode of Choosing Adoption, host Donna Pope speaks with McKenzie, a 24-year-old mother of three who traveled from Ohio to Utah for an adoption placement. When her blood pressure spiked at 32 weeks, she experienced seizures and faced an emergency C-section, delivering baby Grace prematurely and beginning an unexpected NICU journey. Emergency Delivery Tests Adoption Plans McKenzie navigated a premature birth while building trust with adoptive parents Jeff and Christine, teachers who had struggled with infertility for years. She gave Christine one of only two hospital wristbands for NICU access, demonstrating confidence in them as Grace's parents during the crisis. McKenzie chose Jeff and Christine specifically because they had never had children, wanting her daughter to be someone's completing piece. When Support Systems Unite for Birth Mothers McKenzie's ex-partner Randy and current partner Damien maintained a cooperative relationship focused on her three daughters' wellbeing. She traveled to Utah to create distance between placement and her daily life, allowing her to grieve away from home. Financial support from Heart to Heart Adoption gave her space to heal without economic pressure, and the Hearts Connect app maintains ongoing communication with Grace's adoptive parents. She left Utah with fullness in her heart, knowing her choices blessed everyone involved. Listen to McKenzie's complete story on Choosing Adoption podcast with host Donna Pope.  Share this episode with anyone navigating their own adoption journey. Subscribe for more authentic birth mother stories that honor the complexity, courage, and grace of adoption decisions. Follow or Subscribe to Choosing Adoption on your favorite platforms: Website: https://choosingadoption.com/ YouTube: http://youtube.com/@ChoosingAdoption Twitter/X: http://x.com/choosingadoptn Instagram: https://instagram.com/choosingadoptionshow/ Follow Donna Pope LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/donna-pope-41652ba/ #adoption #birthmother #choosingadoption #prematurebirth #NICU #emergencydelivery #openaadoption #birthmothersupport #adoptiveparents #infertility #coparenting #grace #hope #healing #adoptionjourney #donnaPope #hearttoheartadoption

  7. 09/25/2025

    Adoption Journey When Family Support Fails and Love Finds a Way

    In this episode of Choosing Adoption, host Donna Pope talks with Kenia about her personal journey of placing her child for adoption. Kenia shares her struggle to parent during the first months with little help from the birth father or family. When promises of support fell through, she felt alone and overwhelmed. She explains how financial help was not enough without emotional and physical presence. Family Challenges Kenia shares how the birth father's absence despite promises, combined with inadequate family support, led to her feeling isolated and overwhelmed. She explains how financial support alone wasn't enough when what she needed was physical and emotional presence during this challenging time. Open Adoption Success Despite keeping her adoption decision secret from her family initially, Kenia built a strong relationship with her son's adoptive family. She discusses moving from agency communication to direct contact and the emotional experience of meeting her son again after placement when he had grown from a baby to a walking toddler. When support systems fail, adoption can provide children with the stability they deserve while allowing birth mothers to maintain meaningful connections. Subscribe to Choosing Adoption for more stories about finding solutions when traditional support systems fall short. Follow or Subscribe to Choosing Adoption on your favorite platforms: Website: https://choosingadoption.com/ YouTube: http://youtube.com/@ChoosingAdoption Twitter/X: http://x.com/choosingadoptnInstagram: https://instagram.com/choosingadoptionshow/ Follow Donna Pope LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/donna-pope-41652ba/ #Adoption #AdoptionJourney #BirthMother #OpenAdoption #AdoptionStories #BirthMotherAutonomy #RespectBirthMothers #AdoptionChoices #AdoptionSupport #AdoptionAdvocacy #AdoptionPolicy #FamilyThroughAdoption #EveryStoryMatters #AdoptionCommunity #AdoptionAwareness #EmpowerBirthMothers #AdoptionSupportNetwork #WomenSupportingWomen #EthicalAdoption #AdoptionLove

  8. 09/18/2025

    Ethical Adoption Stories Centered on Respect and Women’s Autonomy

    In this episode of Choosing Adoption, host Donna Pope speaks with Daliya Brown about her three adoption experiences and her strong advocacy for birth mother autonomy. Daliya shares her journey traveling from Pennsylvania to Utah for placement, comparing her experiences with both agency support and private adoption arrangements. Different Approaches Daliya discusses the stark differences between working with agencies versus private adoption, emphasizing how agency support provided advocacy and protection that private arrangements lacked. She addresses common misconceptions about birth mothers' decision-making capabilities and explains why interstate travel options matter for women's individual circumstances. Autonomy Matters Daliya advocates for respecting women's choices about where to give birth, which families to choose, and how much contact to maintain. Her experiences demonstrate that birth mothers are capable adults making informed decisions about their bodies and their children's futures, regardless of external opinions or restrictive policies. Birth mothers deserve respect for their decision-making abilities and the freedom to choose what works best for their unique situations. Subscribe to Choosing Adoption for more stories that honor women's autonomy in adoption decisions. Follow or Subscribe to Choosing Adoption on your favorite platforms: Website: https://choosingadoption.com/ YouTube: http://youtube.com/@ChoosingAdoption Twitter/X: http://x.com/choosingadoptn Instagram: https://instagram.com/choosingadoptionshow/ Follow Donna Pope #Adoption #AdoptionJourney #BirthMother #OpenAdoption #AdoptionStories #BirthMotherAutonomy #RespectBirthMothers #AdoptionChoices #AdoptionSupport #AdoptionAdvocacy #AdoptionPolicy #FamilyThroughAdoption #EveryStoryMatters #AdoptionCommunity #AdoptionAwareness #EmpowerBirthMothers #AdoptionSupportNetwork #WomenSupportingWomen #EthicalAdoption #AdoptionLove

  9. 09/11/2025

    Interstate Adoption Support That Changed Everything

    In this episode of Choosing Adoption, host Donna Pope speaks with Angel, who traveled from Hawaii to Utah for adoption placement, and Laraine, her social worker. Angel shares how interstate adoption support provided her with the resources and family connection she needed during a complicated situation involving marriage difficulties and an unsupportive biological father. Building Relationships Angel describes spending nearly two months in Utah, developing a close relationship with the adoptive family through shared experiences and constant support. She explains how the agency helped bring her father from Arkansas to be present during delivery and provided comprehensive care that made her feel "spoiled" with support she'd never experienced before. Honest Guidance Angel emphasizes the importance of agencies providing balanced information about both positive and negative aspects of adoption rather than using money or false promises to influence decisions. Her story demonstrates how proper support and honest communication can lead to positive outcomes for everyone involved. When women receive the support they need, they can make informed decisions that benefit their children and themselves. Subscribe to Choosing Adoption for more stories about finding support during difficult decisions.

  10. 09/04/2025

    5 Birth Mother Truths Everyone Needs to Hear

    In this episode of Choosing Adoption, host Donna Pope welcomes Lynea Krukiewicz, a birth mother advocate with 35 years of experience since placement, along with Laraine Moon. Together, they challenge misconceptions about birth mothers and address controversial topics around interstate adoption and coercion allegations. Community Support Lynea and Laraine advocacy work with the Utah Adoption Council and organize annual birth mother dinners. She emphasizes that birth mothers are intelligent women making informed decisions about their children's futures, often while facing societal judgment and legislative restrictions. Rights Matter The discussion addresses current legislative debates about birth mother rights and interstate adoption restrictions. Lynea advocates for birth mothers to have access to options across state lines and argues against policies that limit their freedom to choose the best placement situation for their children. Five key truths that challenge common misconceptions: Experience over stereotypes - Using Donna Pope's statistics about age and parenting experience Love as motivation - Drawing from Lynea's emphasis on love-driven decisions Intelligence over coercion - Using Lynea's direct quote about coercion allegations Support over restrictions - Addressing the interstate adoption debate Missing voices - Using Lynea's criticism of lawmakers not consulting birth mothers Birth mothers deserve respect, support, and the freedom to make choices without restrictions or assumptions about their mental capacity. Follow or Subscribe to Choosing Adoption on your favorite platforms: Website: ChoosingAdoption.com/ YouTube: youtube.com/@ChoosingAdoption Twitter/X: x.com/choosingadoptn Instagram: instagram.com/choosingadoptionshow/ Follow Donna Pope: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/donna-pope-41652ba/ Follow Lynea Krukiewicz LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lynea-krukiewicz-1b395285/ Website: https://www.lifeafterplacement.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterplacement Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifeafterplacement/ Email: hi@lifeafterplacement.org Follow Laraine Moon LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laraine-moon-11781059/ Follow A Act of Love Adoptions Website: aactofloveadoptions.com Facebook: facebook.com/aactoflove Instagram: instagram.com/a_act_of_love Twitter: twitter.com/ActofLoveAdopt TikTok: tiktok.com/@actofloveadoptionsutah LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/a-act-of-love-adoptions Pinterest: pinterest.com/aactoflove YouTube: youtube.com/@actofloveadoptions

  11. 08/11/2025

    The Birth Mother Who Made Me a Mom

    In this premiere episode of Choosing Adoption, discover the extraordinary 26-year journey between Donna Pope and Monica, the birth mother who placed her son Josh for adoption and forever changed both their lives. The Decision Monica shares her raw truth about choosing adoption while struggling with addiction and homelessness, unable to care for her four-year-old son. With no resources and pregnant again, she faced an impossible choice between caring for one child versus two. The Prayer Two years after placement, Monica hit rock bottom in jail. A desperate prayer for healing became the turning point that led to 24 years of sobriety, a master's degree, and finally becoming the mother her older son Aaron deserved. The Question Years later, 8-year-old Josh confronted his adoptive mother about why Monica placed him but kept his older brother. Hear how this family navigated brutal honesty and why witnessing Josh thriving finally freed Monica from guilt. Join Donna Pope for advice on adoption boundaries, birth father safety concerns, and why adoption doesn't have to be the end of the story. Subscribe to Choosing Adoption podcast and join our community sharing real experiences that matter.

  12. 08/11/2025

    Choosing Adoption - Trailer

    Choosing Adoption creates community for expectant and birth parents navigating one of life's most personal decisions. Host Donna Pope, Executive Director of Heart To Heart Adoptions with over 25 years of experience, provides space where your story matters and your voice is valued. Each episode features birth parents who share their journeys of challenges, growth, and healing after placement. If you're considering adoption or seeking connection in your ongoing experience, this podcast offers practical guidance, emotional support, and faith-centered encouragement. Connect with others who truly understand your path and find the resources you need at every stage of your journey. New episodes every week because no one should walk this path alone. Subscribe for birth parent support that meets you exactly where you are.

  • 12 Episodes

About

Choosing Adoption creates community for expectant and birth parents navigating one of life's most personal decisions. Host Donna Pope, Executive Director of Heart To Heart Adoptions with over 25 years of experience, provides space where your story matters and your voice is valued. Each episode features birth parents who share their journeys of challenges, growth, and healing after placement. If you're considering adoption or seeking connection in your ongoing experience, this podcast offers practical guidance, emotional support, and faith-centered encouragement. Connect with others who truly understand your path and find the resources you need at every stage of your journey. New episodes every week because no one should walk this path alone. Subscribe for birth parent support that meets you exactly where you are.

Information

  • Creator
    Donna Pope
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2025 Choosing Adoption. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Choosing Adoption