Janet and Kurt's Story
Janet and Kurt had tried to adopt for 5 years when they received a placement of a baby whose mother was hepatitis B positive. Unsure of what that meant for them and the baby they hoped to adopt, they contacted the Hepatitis B Foundation. Through the Foundation, they learned how their daughter could be protected from the disease with a birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine.
In a follow-up to their first story, Janet and Kurt share how grateful they are that their daughter is happy, healthy, and living a life free of hepatitis B despite an exposure to the hepatitis B virus as an infant. They emphasize how critical it is to protect all children by ensuring they receive the hepatitis B birth dose. In the early days of their daughter’s life, Janet and Kurt insisted on vaccination to protect their child from hepatitis B transmission, as her birth mom was living with the virus. Their story underscores that hepatitis B is entirely preventable, and the birth dose is a powerful tool to protect children from lifelong illness. They remind viewers that young children are especially vulnerable to hepatitis B: they interact closely, share space, and are more likely to develop chronic infection if exposed. They discuss how important vaccine education is to making well-informed decisions, and encourage parents to do their research using reputable sources. Janet and Kurt highlight that vaccination is an important part of ensuring the health of a child – regardless of the birth parents hepatitis B status.
Discussion Questions and Answers:
How did Janet and Kurt initially respond to learning their future child’s birth mother had hepatitis B?
(They panicked and felt overwhelmed by frightening statistics. Like many, they were unfamiliar with hepatitis B and its transmission risks, but their desire to learn and protect their child led them to seek out trusted information.)
What role did education and support play in Janet and Kurt’s decision to move forward with the adoption?
(Finding the Hepatitis B Foundation gave them clarity and reassurance. They spoke with staff and learned that with the timely birth-dose vaccine and follow-up care, their daughter could live a healthy life—even in the small chance she had hepatitis B.)
What does their story show about the importance of access to accurate hepatitis B information?
(Without access to clear, compassionate education, the couple may have walked away from the adoption out of fear. Instead, they now experience the joy of parenthood—demonstrating how the right support can counter stigma and change lives.)