Letter: Utah adoption laws archaic; fathers can be great single parents

The comments made by Rep. Edward Redd and Rep. LaVar Christensen regarding the recently passed changes to Utah's antiquated and irrational adoption laws were absolutely outrageous ("Utah lawmakers make move to stop adoption 'forum shopping,'" Tribune, March 14).

Referring to these fathers who have made extensive efforts to become a parent to their child as "sperm donors" is an attack on all single fathers. After my mother left our family when I was only 5 and made no attempt to gain custody, my father worked tirelessly to raise us the best he could — and what a job he did.

Starting from blue-collar roots, my siblings and I all graduated from college — two with advanced degrees. My two brothers and I are professionals working in the defense/aerospace industry, and my sister is a successful housewife and school bus driver raising three well-mannered children.

I believe that any father who is willing to raise his own child and provide a loving home to him or her should not be deprived of that opportunity. It is an archaic belief that only a mother can be a successful and loving single parent. Are these representatives going to say that a widower whose wife dies in childbirth should be forced to place the child for adoption?

Thomas Uhl

West Haven