The Halls' search for an adopted child began in the late 1980s. It continued for more than a decade.
"My wife and I have always wanted a large family," Mr. Hall said.
Despite never placing restrictions on ethnicity or gender, the Ancaster residents waited and waited for their application to be processed, with no response. Then in 1999 they found Adoption by Choice in Tampa, Fla. After contacting the agency, the Halls waited a few more months before receiving a call back on May 24, 1999.
The agency told the Halls about Anthony, a seven-day-old baby boy who needed a home. Three days later, the Halls adopted Anthony. The Halls' oldest son Andrew, now 20, supported the adoption.
The Halls wrote a letter and sent photos to Anthony's birthmother during the first 12 months, but have never met face to face. The Halls were assured that Anthony's birthmother was at peace with her decision to give up her son.
The Halls hope Anthony's example will lead others to consider adoption as an alternative to abortion.
"It's such a viable choice, so many couples would do anything to have a child," Mr. Hall said.
Anthony is also being credited with helping another young mother choose life. The executive director of Adoption by Choice recently told the Halls that a picture of Anthony convinced an undecided client to offer her child for adoption.
"His eyes in that picture speak a million words," Mrs. Hall said. "He is a very happy child and a wonderful gift from God."
Anthony is a happy elementary school student with interests that include astronomy, baseball, soccer, karate, playing with friends and listening to music.
While the Halls are advocates for the adoption option, Mrs. Hall knows the decision is extremely difficult for young mothers. They say adoption is a loving decision, but not an easy one to make.
"Teen mothers who carry a child to term may be chastised by peers, or feel a sense of guilt resulting from giving up a child," she said.
"It takes more courage to give them up than to keep them." Mrs. Hall noted that adoption can benefit both mother and child.
Teen mothers who keep their children may be forced to sacrifice their own education and future to start a family, Mrs. Hall said.