WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, today joined Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.) in introducing The Protecting Adoption Act (S.1637), which would provide for a defined process to help expedite the placement of children in stable, permanent families.

“I know firsthand the profound effects a loving and stable family can have on an adopted child. I believe all children deserve to grow up with the support of a permanent family,” Inhofe said. “However, there are times when the placement of a child can be interrupted or stopped due to a lack of notice to both birth parents. This legislation will help protect a birthfather’s rights before an adoption takes place and ensure that adoptions can proceed without the fear of a later reversal.”

The Protecting Adoption Act creates a National Responsible Father Registry and encourages states with existing registries to provide their data to the national system. This legislation (1) empowers men to take responsibility for their parental rights; (2) takes the burden off women to identify potential fathers, protecting a woman’s safety and privacy especially in cases of rape or domestic violence; and (3) enables children to find permanent homes more quickly.

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