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‘Glee’ adoption plot sparks online petition

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An adoptive mother is using an online advocacy platform to distribute a petition calling on the producers of Fox’s ‘Glee’ to create a public service announcement that would offset what she calls ‘harmful’ inaccuracies in an adoption-based story line.

Amber Austin said she initiated the petition on Change.org because of a plotline involving cheerleader Quinn (Dianna Agron), a teen mother who placed her baby up for adoption. On the show, Quinn is, as the petition puts it, ‘actively (and with malice)’ trying to get the baby back from Shelby (Idina Menzel), the birth mother of Glee Club member Rachel (Lea Michele).

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Austin said the show irresponsibly raises fear for adopted children that they can be taken away from their families, and that the plot also could cause confusion for families who adopt. She said the story line perpetuates one of the most pervasive and harmful myths about adoption: that a birth mother can take a child away from a family or pop back into the child’s life.

‘I’m horrified at how the show has handled this,’ said Austin. ‘It’s inaccurate, and puts forth a perspective that can cause real harm with adoptive parents.’

She is asking for ‘Glee’ executive producer Ryan Murphy to produce a public service announcement that would show the reality of adoption.

Fox and ‘Glee’ producers could not be immediately reached for comment.

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-- Greg Braxton

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