Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio) shared his personal experience with adoption in an op-ed published in Ohio outlets during National Adoption Month. In the piece, Husted discussed how adoption has impacted his life and the lives of his family members. He also highlighted policy efforts aimed at improving the adoption process and supporting foster children.
Husted wrote, “It’s November—that means Thanksgiving, football and family. But something else is happening this month that often goes overlooked—National Adoption Month. This is a time to celebrate the families created through adoption and raise awareness for thousands of children anxiously waiting to find a family and home.”
He emphasized his personal connection to the issue, stating, “As the adopted son of two loving parents, I hold National Adoption Month close to my heart.” He described adoption as “the first chapter in a story of love and security for children as members of a new family.”
Husted recounted his birth mother’s decision: “When my birth mother became pregnant with me, she faced an incredibly difficult choice. Her husband had passed away, she had two young boys to look after, and my birth father wanted her to terminate the pregnancy. She could not afford to raise another child, but thankfully, she bravely chose adoption.”
He added, “Adoption not only changed my life, but the lives of every member of my family.”
Citing recent data from 2023, Husted noted that there are more than 343,000 American children still in the child welfare system and over 15,000 from Ohio.
In terms of legislative action, Husted stated: “In the United States Senate, I’m working on legislation to support women who make the courageous decision to choose adoption and families hoping to grow through adoption.”
Reflecting on his own time in foster care as a child, he said: “As a kid who spent the beginning of my life in foster care, it is important to me that kids who are living in foster care know they are not forgotten. The sky is their limit.”
He continued: “As one of their voices in the Senate, I will continue to work to create opportunities for children aging out of the foster system, support those still waiting to be adopted and ensure every child has a shot at achieving their version of the American dream.”
Husted concluded by encouraging collective action: “Together, we can all be a blessing to children and families across our nation.”
The full op-ed can be accessed online.
