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Rodney Atkins Speaks for Adoption

Posted by amyclark on 08/24/2008
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  "Sometimes choosing adoption is being a good mother" is the theme of the National Council For Adoption's (NCFA) new iChooseAdoption Public Awareness Campaign that was launched nationwide this week.  The campaign's Web site, iChooseAdoption.org, was created as an informational source for women facing unintended pregnancies, as well as all those who may lack sensitive, accurate information about adoption.   Country music artist and NCFA's National Adoption spokesperson Rodney Atkins said:  "Adoption allows a birthmother to make a plan for her child's future, and provide a loving family for her baby."  Atkins, who was himself adopted as an infant, continued:  "I wouldn't be where I am today if my birthmother hadn't made the decision she felt was best for both of us.  I'm so grateful to her, and to all the birthparents who choose adoption."    The NCFA has created several public service announcements to promote the iChooseAdoption.org Web site that features a birthmother who made the difficult but loving decision to place her child for adoption.  "Nationwide there are only 16 infant adoptions for every 1,000 children born out of wedlock.  NCFA wants to increase public understanding and awareness of adoption and create a more pro-adoption culture, in which everyone, including women facing unplanned pregnancies, can consider adoption freely without fear, bias, or misunderstanding," says Thomas Atwood, president and CEO of the National Council For Adoption (NCFA).  ACM's 2007 Best New Male Vocalist, Rodney Atkins', latest album, If You're Going Through Hell, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard country albums chart and is certified platinum. He's had four number-one hit songs including the most played songs of the year in 2007 with "Watchin' You" and also in 2006 with "If You're Going Through Hell". Rodney is honored again this year by the Academy of Country Music with a staggering six overall nominations including Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year for If You're Going Through Hell, Song of the Year and Video of the Year for "If You're Going Through Hell."     About NCFA: Since 1980, NCFA has been a leading voice among national adoption and child welfare organizations. NCFA is a research, education, and advocacy nonprofit organization that provides adoption information, promotes ethical adoption practices, informs public policy and opinion about adoption issues, and serves as a resource for women with unplanned pregnancies, adopted persons and their families, those seeking to adopt, and adoption professionals.