Woman 'too fat to adopt child'

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Woman 'too fat to adopt child'

By Suellen Hinde
June 24, 2007 01:00am
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,21957786-421,00.html

- Woman told to lose more than 50kg before adopting
- Miscarried girl at 22 weeks in 2000
- Completed three-year adoption program


WOULD-BE mother Kylie Lannigan has been told she is too fat to adopt a child.

Mrs Lannigan, 29, and husband, Dave, 37, are devastated after complying with three years of bureaucracy to become eligible.

Mrs Lannigan, who is 170cm tall [approx. 5"6] and weighs 126kg [approx. 277 lbs], lost 12kg [approx 26 lbs] in recent weeks.

She was told to lose another 40kg [approx. 88 lbs].

"They (two Department of Human Services adoption counsellors) came to see us for a second visit," Mrs Lannigan said.

"And one of the women said everything was looking good and we would be wonderful parents, but that my weight was holding me back from adopting.

"They gave me a BMI (body mass index) chart.

"They said, 'You are here' and drew a dot on the chart and then said, 'When you get to here (85kg) give us a ring' and they would come and start the assessment again.

"By the time I get down to that weight I will be too old - they're asking me to lose more than 50kg."

The Seymour couple said their application had not been refused, but suspended.

"I was disappointed when they said it," Mr Lannigan said. "It's discrimination."

Mrs Lannigan works about 40 hours a week as a chef at the local hotel bistro.

Her husband is a vineyard supervisor. The homeowners have been together for 13 years.

She has polycystic ovarian syndrome, which can lead to weight gain and difficulties getting pregnant. In 2000, she miscarried an IVF-conceived girl at 22 weeks.

"We tried IVF again, but it wasn't successful," she said.

"So we thought we would check out adoption."

The Lannigans attended an information seminar in Melbourne and completed an adoption training program.

They had medical, police and finance checks and a home assessment.

"When we went to the seminar three years ago, I asked if my weight would be an issue and they said that was not a factor, but that my health might be," she said.

"I walk to work and Tafe everyday. I have been tested for heart disease and diabetes and I am okay.

"I am counting calories, doing the best I can."

 

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