I have waited, and prayed, and done whatever I am able to assist from my small corner of the adoption community, but nothing could have prepared me for the latest news concerning the Stocklaufer family’s adoption appeal.

Gary Stocklaufer, the Missouri man I blogged about earlier this month, who had his adoptive son removed because the court felt he was to fat to parent, has apparently received a verdict concerning his hearing request.

The judge has denied their appeal.

Far more disturbing than the news that the court is unwilling to hear an appeal over this family’s adoption petition for baby Max, is the fact that the court decided to make its horrendously wrongful ruling while hopeful adoptive dad Gary was actually in the middle of his gastric bypass surgery! This father was under the surgical knife, placing his very life on the line to meet the crass and decidedly discriminatory restrictions of this court, and this is when they choose to rule on his request?

Talk about kicking someone when they are down.

What would be the purpose of this court’s grievously malicious timing? Are they trying to tell the Stocklaufer’s, and those of us who were outraged for them, something? To even a casual observer this would appear to be a judicial bullying of the highest order. A loud and clear message that this court truly believes that it has the power to do whatever it wishes, regardless of ethics. They could not have ruled about this the day before Gary’s surgery, the day after? Were they thumbing their nose at this man’s dramatic attempt to do whatever it might take to see his son returned? Apparently so.

Personally I just do not understand this. It makes me so angry that I can barely see straight! What MORE would a court consider to be in the best interests of a child, than parents who would do whatever possible, even risk one’s life to undergo surgery (always with risk of death involved), so they might see their child returned to them? Will the family who has Max in it’s custody now do the same?

If this foster family has any interest in ethics it is my opinion that they should return Max to his home, and step aside. If he remains with them, what will they tell him years from now? That his family wanted him, did everything possible to keep him, and that they turned a blind eye and kept him anyway? This child has a family who is both his biological link, and his adoptive home since a week old, who have done no wrong, and who are doing everything possible to bring him home. Why should he be denied the chance to stay with the Stocklaufer’s, with out the normal time and considerations given to biological family members?

Of course the Stocklaufer’s have pledged to do whatever possible to see baby Max home with them soon, even if this means going all the way to the Supreme Court. The legal battle they could soon face would severely financially drain even those who are well off, and they are just a modest income, working class family. I am sure that the family would still appreciate any help from anyone who is so inclined with their legal fund set up at the listed address. I am sure well wishes, and letters to help boost this family’s morale could also be sent there.


Gary and Cynthia Stocklaufer Fund
Commerce Bank
17601 E. Highway 24
Independence, MO 64056

Read other related posts here...

Missouri Man Deemed Too Obese To Adopt - *Update

Outraged? Take Action!

The Birthmom in the Gary Stocklaufer Case

A Blue Ribbon For Baby Max

Still have Baby Max’s Birthmom on My Mind

Discrimination in Adoption

For the good of the child ... says who?

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