A man in New York City encountered a newborn baby abandoned in a subway station corner in August 2000. He called emergency services, comforted the baby briefly, and gave a statement while waiting for police. After media attention faded, he later had to testify at a court hearing because the baby’s mother could not be found. During the hearing, the judge asked whether he was interested in adopting the baby. He felt an immediate desire to say yes, though he had never considered adoption before. He discussed the decision with his partner, who reacted with anger because they had not planned for a family and faced financial strain.
"I was rushing towards the turnstile at Union Square station when I noticed a bundle of clothes in a corner. I saw it move and stopped in my tracks. I walked over, peeled back a dark sweatshirt, and saw him: a newborn baby, with the umbilical cord still attached. I was in shock. I sprinted up to the street and found a payphone to call 911. I found a baby, I blurted out."
"I had to give a statement, and went home for a large drink. Pete and I talked all night; why would the mother have left the baby, why had she chosen to leave him here, in the centre of gay New York? Kevin is an incredible young man. He works out of state but, fortunately, he is still happy to spend time with his dads"
"After a short period of media interest, life returned to normal, until 12 weeks later, when I was asked to testify at a court hearing as the mother could not be found. To my surprise, the judge asked if I had any interest in adopting the baby. The idea hadn't even entered my head, but instantly, I desperately wanted to say yes. I told her I needed to talk to my partner but, in my own mind, I had decided that was what I wanted to do."
"Pete was furious. We had never talked about starting a family. We were in debt there were a hundred reasons why bringing a child into our lives did not seem sensible."
Read at www.theguardian.com
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