I agree with your analysis of the desperation. In many cases the father is not in sight-—but in many other cases, both here and with abortion, the father contributes to the desperation.
However, in writing about a situation where facts are largely lacking, I think there is a point in defaulting to the ideal, however unlikely it is. This is in some ways the opposite of such monstrosities as “His husband” or “her wife.”
If all parties involved are aware of “parental” options other than abortion, I think the father might both stick around more often, be drawn into the decision more often, and be constructively involved.
I agree that paternal involvement here was highly unlikely, and that the maternal involvement was not ideal, but writing the article to encourage society to move from awful to somewhat less awful, in this case, is something that I applaud.
With mutual regard.
Agreed! I take issue only with the subtle introduction of the slanted narrative that "couples" here are placing their newborns into the "Baby Box."
I encourage the widespread distribution of "Baby Boxes." (If I recall correctly, there are also usually policies in place to allow the mother to reclaim her child after a "cooling-off" phase.)
Regards,