Mariska Hargitay: 'Adoption Not for the Faint of Heart'
Mariska Hargitay, star of "Law & Order: SVU," is known for her tough, no-holds-barred character on the show, but in real life Hargitay is a mother of three. She has spoken out about the adoption process and the event that led to her and her husband adopting not one, but two infants.
Hargitay and husband Peter Hermann often work together on "Law & Order." It's actually where they met, and they were married in 20004. They welcomed son August nearly six years ago and say that they "envisioned this big family because we both come from that," Hargitay told Good Housekeeping in a new interview.
"I really did think that down the line, Peter and I would adopt a child. That was always part of the plan," she explained. And the couple did meet with one birth mother two years ago. Hargitay and Hermann met with one young woman, were present for the birth and even named the little girl after she was born.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Two days later the couple received word that the birth mother had changed her mind, and they were forced to give the infant back to her.
"It was nothing short of devastating, but it was probably the greatest, happiest ending. I mean, it was so painful for us, but it was deeply joyful and deeply right for her," Hargitay explains.
Just one year later, Hargitay and Hermann met the woman who would give birth to daughter Amaya.
"August thinks this was all his idea," Hargitay said. "He said, 'I want a baby sister,' and Amaya came. Then he said, 'I want a baby brother,' and Andrew came."
This time Hargitay was able to help deliver her daughter.
"Peter and I held her, and then the birth mother and I hugged for a long time. That was profound. That was one of the most meaningful moments I've ever had in my life," said the actress.
Six months later, the growing family received word that a premature baby boy needed a home.
"It was a no-brainer," Hargitay says. "It was like a miracle, and I don't use that word lightly. I've never made a bigger decision so quickly."
As fortunate as Hargitay and Hermann have been, they realize that there are other couples that are not.
"Adoption was a bumpy ride-very bumpy. I'm not gonna lie," Hargitay says. "There were wrenching moments. I say to everybody, 'Adoption is not for the faint of heart.' But God, it was worth the fight."
