Media Should Drop the Term ‘Adopted’

Finally the media are being taken to task for singling out adoptive children by labeling them as such (“Adoption’s Not a Secret, but Why Harp on It? Parents Ask,” Sept. 25). This is a ridiculous practice and only serves to make the families feel like they are second class.

I think the number of children living with relatives and in foster care underscores the fallacy of assuming that a biological family is always the best family. The term “adopted into” a family should be observed. Once the adoption becomes final, the child belongs to that family, just as if she or he had been born into it, period.

SYDNEY WILLIAMS

Los Angeles