Maureen K's Story
When Maureen learned that her young daughter had hepatitis B, she knew she would need to fight for her daughter's health. What she did not anticipate was the reaction from family and others who learned of the diagnosis. In this video, Maureen talks about navigating issues of disclosure and stigma with her daughter.
Discussion Questions and Answers:
Why do you think the doctors in China looked so serious, as they were informing Maureen of her adoptive daughter’s hepatitis B status? (They were aware of the possibility that Maureen might decide not to go through with the adoption; they understood the challenges of living with hepatitis B.)
What considerations may have gone through Maureen’s and her husband’s minds, as they made their decision about adopting their two daughters? (They may have worried about bringing hepatitis B positive children into the family. They ultimately decided the risks didn’t outweigh the importance of creating their family. They didn’t want Libby to feel isolated, as the only Chinese sibling AND the only one with hepatitis B.)
How can parents facing challenges like Maureen’s access accurate information about talking to their hepatitis B positive children about risks? (They can seek resources at their local health center or online, through the Hepatitis B Foundation. They can reach out to other parents in similar situations.)