Our Position

We Belong To Eachother

Building Safe, Supported Communities Through Family Preservation

In our visioning session, we reached a profound understanding: babies don't belong to us; we belong to each other. This sentiment underscores our belief in the interconnectedness of humanity, particularly in the realm of family and community. Central to our position is the recognition that all individuals, especially pregnant people and families, deserve dignity, support, and resources to thrive. Science unequivocally backs our remedy for our shared suffering: providing people with direct financial assistance and opening the doors to access. Here, we present our position essay advocating for family preservation, transparency, and equity in family building.

Open Adoption: A Path to Family Preservation

We firmly believe that open adoption serves as a powerful tool for family preservation. By embracing openness and community, adoptive families create spaces for adopted children to thrive and explore their identities. This approach shifts the narrative from separation to connection, emphasizing the importance of maintaining familial bonds while honoring the unique paths to parenthood.

JustChoice also recognizes hosting as a valuable alternative to traditional fostering, providing temporary care while maintaining connections with biological families. By incorporating hosting alongside fostering, we offer more options for children and families within the foster care system, aiming to ensure every child experiences stability and support in their journey towards a loving and secure family environment.

Restorative Justice and Community Healing

Traditional punitive measures fail to address the root causes of family breakdowns. Shame begets more shame. Instead, we advocate for restorative justice healing circles as a more impactful alternative to parenting classes. By fostering dialogue, understanding, and accountability within communities, we can address underlying issues and support families in navigating challenges.

Abolition and Building Safe, Supported Communities

In alignment with the principles of reproductive justice, including the right to have children, not have children, and parent in safe and healthy environments, JustChoice advocates for the abolition of oppressive systems and the construction of safe, supported communities. Sister Song's core tenets guide our mission to reimagine societal structures, emphasizing care, empathy, and solidarity as foundational pillars. By dismantling oppressive systems and prioritizing community care, we aim to create environments where all individuals and families can flourish, ensuring that every person has the opportunity to experience stability and support in their reproductive and parenting journeys.

Transparency and Equity in Family Building

Foster care, adoption, and ART/IVF present both opportunities and challenges in family building. While options offer hope to many, they also expose the flaws within private equity, profit-driven industries. We assert that children have the right to know their family's path to parenthood, and we advocate for greater transparency and regulation within the foster care, adoption and ART/IVF sector.

Any member of the foster, adoption, or ART/IVF constellation may experience the need for support, counseling, or conversation at any point during their lifelong journey, and they deserve a judgment-free place to engage in dialogue, fostering understanding and empathy within our communities. We recognize the importance of dismantling societal norms and expectations surrounding family, making room for diverse experiences and narratives to be heard, valued, and celebrated.

Solidarity through Restorative Justice

In a world fraught with violence and systemic injustices, solidarity through restorative justice serves as a beacon of hope, operating from a belief we all deserve liberation. By prioritizing community healing and support, we can create safer spaces where individuals and families feel seen, heard, and valued. As Audre Lorde beautifully articulated, "For the master's tool will never dismantle the master's house." This quote inspires us to seek alternative solutions, to build anew with compassion and understanding. Through solidarity and collective action, we can nurture a future where oppressive systems are replaced with inclusive ones that uplift and empower all. Together, we can forge a path towards a brighter, more equitable tomorrow, where every person's dignity and worth are cherished.

In conclusion, our position emphasizes the importance of family preservation, transparency, and equity in building safe, supported communities. By embracing openness, restorative justice, and abolitionist principles, we can create a world where every individual and family has the resources and support they need to thrive. Together, we can forge a path towards a more compassionate and inclusive and liberated future.