International Adoption-Another Option
March 22, 2010International adoption in the United States started after the Korean War and the war in Vietnam when many Americans wanted to help the thousands of orphans left in the aftermath of war. But war and its aftermath are not the only factors leading countries to allow their children to be adopted overseas. Poverty, social upheaval, government population control and overcrowded orphanages have also been critical factors in adoption. Over the last three decades, (1971-2001) U.S. citizens adopted approximately 265,677 children from other countries (International Adoption Facts).
For many beginning to explore adoption seems to be filled with long waits and stringent requirements. Older children, sibling groups and special needs children are available for adoption in the U.S., however few healthy U.S. born babies are available because birth control and abortion are accessible to most U.S. citizens, fewer unplanned babies are born. In addition, most unmarried mothers are choosing to keep their babies.
International adoption has a number of benefits for everyone involved. There is a huge demand for international adoption from countries all over the world and because of the need; many adoption agencies have developed programs that focus specifically on helping and guiding the prospective adoptive parents. The most obvious benefit of international adoption is the hope that is gives to the adopted child. And although all orphaned children need loving families and stability, the situations and care in other countries are often far less than those children in the United States. Adopting one of these children could make the difference between life and death.
International adoption may not be for everyone, but it has become an ideal resource for couples or individuals seeking the joys of parenthood and a way to build their families. Some of the advantages an adoptive parents should consider are: foreign children are legally considered orphans which means the birth parents do not have legal custody over the child, minimizing the risk of custody battles. The waiting periods can be shorter but the parent should be aware that international adoption would require them to travel to their child’s home country making for added costs. However, in many cases, the need for adoption is so great that the governments of foreign countries want to help facilitate the adoption.
Wanta was born January 24, 1999 to an alcoholic mother in a small province north of Bangkok, Thailand. Her mother lived on the streets with two other small children. Wanta’s mother knew she could not care for her and gave Wanta to a caregiver at a women’s shelter. Luckily, the caregiver did the right thing and contacted the proper authorities that were able to find the proper care for Wanta. Fifteen months later, Wanta was in a home over 8000 miles away, far from the poverty-stricken circumstances she was born into and in a home filled with love and with a bright future ahead. Wanta’s mother continued to live on the streets and died three years later leaving her two other children orphaned and left to fend for themselves. Wanta is now eleven. I know her as Tia. She is my sister and her story is not much different than the other thousands of orphans around the world.
International adoption opens a completely new dimension in your life. Suddenly, you view your child’s homeland as yours as well. You become more aware of news and concerns in that part of the world and their culture becomes a part of you and your family. Word travels fast and more people will be eager to learn and celebrate your family’s diversity. International adopted children will evoke social change and become the bridge between what people perceive about a country and what is the truth (Erichse)
Where Are the Children Adopted From?
(2008)
| Region | 2007 Kids Adopted | 2008 Kids Adopted | Difference |
| Africa | 1,748 | 2,315 | 567 |
| Asia | 8,277 | 6,735 | -1,542 |
| Europe | 3,807 | 3,074 | -733 |
| North America | 5,166 | 4,630 | -536 |
| South America | 452 | 439 | -13 |
Works Cited
Erichsen, Jean Nelson, and Heino R. Erichsen. “Is International Adoption Right for You?” Web.
13 Mar. 2010. <http://www.comeunity.com>.
International Adoption Facts. The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, 2002. Web. 27 Feb.
2010. <http://www.adoptioninstitute.org>.
“International Adoption Statistics 2008.” Adoption Under One Roof. U.S. State Government.
Web. 13 Mar. 2010. <http://ouradopt.com>.
