Natalia Grace, a Ukrainian by birth, and her adoptive family have garnered global attention and raised several questions about the adoption process.
At the heart of this controversy is Anna Gava, Natalia Grace’s biological mother, who has been thrust into the public eye due to her daughter’s astonishing case.
This article aims to explore the background of Anna Gava, her choice to offer her daughter for adoption, and her current whereabouts.
It offers a comprehensive look at one of the most compelling aspects of the Natalia Grace saga.
Who Is Anna Gava?
Anna Gava is a Ukrainian native who was raised in a close-knit family alongside her identical twin sister, Tatyana Gava.
Little is known about Anna’s childhood, but she gained attention when she became pregnant with her daughter, Natalia, who was nicknamed Natasha in Ukraine.
While Anna was excited about becoming a mother, doctors soon discovered that Natalia would be born with a rare form of dwarfism known as spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita.
Given the prognosis that Natalia might face a lifetime of pain and limited mobility, the doctors advised Anna to place her daughter for adoption.
Nevertheless, unable to abandon her daughter, Anna contacted the authorities and arranged for Natalia to be adopted by a US-based couple, Gary and Diane Ciccone.
The Adoption of Natalia Grace
Gary and Diane Ciccone adopted Natalia Grace in 2008, however, within months they were seeking a way out of the arrangement.
In fact, they tried to give her away to random couples at various little people conventions and even pursued emergency adoption through official channels.
This was when Kristine and Michael Barnett welcomed Natalia into their home.
Soon after Natalia’s arrival, the Barnett family suspected she might be older than her birth certificate indicated and was displaying aggressive behavior.
On Investigation Discovery’s ‘The Curious Case of Natalia Grace,’ the Barnetts allege finding evidence that Natalia had regular menstrual periods and pubic hair, suggesting she was over 18 years old.
The docuseries’ trailer on youtube further captivated the audience.
Furthermore, they claim that Natalia expressed intentions of harming her adoptive family, which led Michael to wake up one night and find her standing at the foot of their bed with a knife.
These accusations have triggered a wave of controversy and initiated numerous legal battles questioning the validity of Natalia’s birth certificate and her true age.
Anna Gava’s Disclosure
In 2019, after enduring constant press attention, Anna Gava disclosed herself as Natalia Grace’s biological mother.
Anna affirmed that her daughter was indeed born in 2003, as stated on the original birth certificate, and that Natalia would never be capable of the things the Barnetts accused her of.
She also implored her daughter to forgive her and visit Ukraine as soon as possible, as she had three other siblings eagerly waiting to meet her.
Since then, there has been widespread speculation about Natalia’s actual age and the credibility of Anna’s claims.
Despite the controversies, Anna has remained resolute in her assertions and continues to advocate for her daughter’s right to be recognized as a minor.
Anna Gava’s Current Whereabouts
Anna Gava’s current whereabouts have not been confirmed, but it is widely believed that she prefers to lead a private life and avoid media attention while residing in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, near the Black Sea.
Since her daughter Natalia Grace’s astonishing story came to light, Anna Gava, Natalia’s biological mother, has been thrust into the public eye.
Her decision to relinquish Natalia for adoption and the ensuing uproar regarding Natalia’s age have made her and her family the subject of intense scrutiny.
Anna Gava’s decision to give up her daughter for adoption has sparked discussions and debates about parental rights.
In the eyes of many, she has become a symbol of hope for families grappling with difficult decisions and fighting for their right to be acknowledged as minors entitled to basic rights and protections.
