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When Kimberly and Greg Henkel began fostering a baby boy, they gained a new perspective on the gift of children. "He wasn’t ours, but what we realized is that no child is truly ours," Kimberly told OSV News. This experience inspired them to found Springs of Love in 2022 after the Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade.
The Supreme Court's ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization has prompted discussions about its impact on foster care and adoption needs. Kimberly Henkel and other leaders in these ministries emphasize foster care as a significant pro-life issue, encouraging Catholics to participate by fostering, adopting, or supporting those who do.
Kathy White from Thrive Foster Care Ministry stated, "While not everyone can bring a child into their home, everyone can do something to support those that can."
According to the U.S. government's Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS), nearly 370,000 children are in foster care with over 100,000 waiting for adoption as of fiscal year 2022. The report noted various reasons for children's removal from homes including neglect and parental drug abuse.
Ryan Hanlon of the National Council for Adoption remarked on the lack of data linking Dobbs' impact to changes in foster care and adoption rates. He said, "I think when we get 2023 and 2024 data... we'll be able to create essentially a matrix."
In Texas, Helen Osman from the Texas Catholic Conference reported increased activity at pregnancy care centers post-Dobbs. Meanwhile, California has seen more women obtaining abortions within the state or traveling there for such services.
Melissa Bowe from Catholic Charities in Wisconsin noted a slight increase in service demand following Dobbs but mentioned consistent numbers over three years with an uptick in relatives adopting grandchildren.
Bowe's agency connects grandparents seeking adoptions with each other for support. Ministries like Springs of Love are expanding rapidly due to growing interest from communities wanting to assist foster families.
White highlighted an increase in active parish-run foster ministries within her archdiocese over one year. These teams offer comprehensive support including meal preparation and childcare.
Kimberly Henkel emphasized prayerful consideration regarding involvement: "All of us need to be praying... How is God calling you to love?"
Katie Yoder reports for OSV News from Washington.
