RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 The Physician's Responsibility In Adoption, Part I: Caring For The Birthmother JF The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice JO J Am Board Fam Med FD American Board of Family Medicine SP 50 OP 54 DO 10.3122/jabfm.1.1.50 VO 1 IS 1 A1 Melina, Carl M. A1 Melina, Lois YR 1988 UL http://www.jabfm.org/content/1/1/50.abstract AB The unmarried pregnant woman considering adoption needs more than medical care from her family physician. She needs an advocate who can help her reach the right decision about her untimely pregnancy, advice about the options for adoptive placement of her child, and respect as the child's mother during her hospital stay. After the birth and adoptive placement of the child, the physician can help the birthmother resolve her grief and may serve an ongoing role as an intermediary between the adoptive family and birthmother.