Adoption of Baby Boy R. CA2/6

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

Ian was born on Staten Island, New York, in October 2011. Appellant is Ian's natural father. The biological mother is M.R., who is not a party to this appeal. Ian was conceived after appellant and M.R. met at a nightclub around January 1st of 2011. The two had sex the night they met, then had sex again about two weeks later. At the time, appellant was on parole from a 10-year New York state prison term for first degree manslaughter.2 Less than a month after Ian's birth, appellant was returned to prison on a parole violation and has remained incarcerated throughout these proceedings. In February of 2011, M.R. sent appellant a text message informing him that she was pregnant. Appellant had suspected that M.R. might have gotten pregnant because his condom broke while they were having sex. Appellant texted M.R. and asked to see the results of her pregnancy test. M.R. responded that she would have the results delivered to him. Shortly thereafter, M.R. sent appellant a text stating that she was planning on having an abortion. On May 19, 2011, M.R. sent appellant a text stating, "I thought u should know i abortd." Appellant responded, "How do i kno…