This article analyzes the narratives of a group of women who are the single parents of adopted children, in the broader context of the qualitative investigation of this subject. Their stories speak of the various legal-judicial, institutional and technical procedures they faced during the adoption process, which highlight the biased and discriminatory treatment most of them received, as well the acts of resistance they used to challenge these obstacles and vindicate their legal right to adoption. The discussion of the background and findings of this research is meant to influence and transform public policies and professional interventions in the field of adoption.