This is a powerful and passionate book about the personal and political aspects of adoption. While it is overwhelmingly negative about adoption and the author believes the practice is outdated and should cease, she does present strong arguments for her case.

'An impassioned statement about the dangers of an Australian policy that could put the needs of couples seeking to adopt children from other countries above the actual needs of the children involved...I recommend this book to all those involved in discussions and decision-making about children potentially taken from their birth mothers.'

Penny Mackieson’s book Adoption Deception is a well-researched documentation of adoption denial in Australia. By denial we mean that the complex issues associated with the separation of mother and child is ignored in favour of the needs of those who wish to create a family at all costs, the book reinforces the Origins perspective that adoption only serves the needs of those that choose or unable to have their own children.

 

Adoption Deception is a deeply personal account of the experience of adoption, and the effect it can have into adulthood. It is a story of how family relationships can be influenced by adoption policies and practices. It challenges us to think about how we respond to the 'commercialisation of children' through adoption and assisted reproductive technologies.

Penny Mackieson provides a well-researched and passionate account of adoption, surrogacy and egg and sperm donation in Australia. Weaving her personal and professional experiences in adoption with her analysis of the political landscape, Penny urges us to think more critically about adoption, surrogacy and reproductive technologies. Adoption Deception calls us to rethink adoption from the perspective of the children who must live with the long-term impact of broken connections with family and identity. It is important reading for anyone interested in critical and compassionate insights into the impact of adoption, surrogacy and reproductive technologies.

This is a lightning rod of a book, one that will summon thunderclaps of applause and disapproval. I am not saying I agree with the argument the author makes; I am saying I admire the naked personal honesty with which she makes it. Whatever viewpoint you have at the end of this book, I guarantee you this – you will think, and feel, more deeply about the issue of adoption.