What's happened
On September 6, 2024, China announced the termination of its international adoption program, limiting adoptions to only blood relatives. This decision affects hundreds of families in the U.S. currently in the adoption process, raising concerns about pending cases and the future of international adoptions from China.
What's behind the headline?
Impact on Families
- Hundreds of U.S. families are left in limbo regarding pending adoptions.
- Emotional distress for families who have invested time and resources.
Shift in Policy
- Aligns with global trends towards stricter adoption regulations.
- Reflects China's changing demographic policies amid declining birth rates.
Future of Adoption
- Potential rise in domestic adoptions as international avenues close.
- Increased scrutiny on adoption processes may lead to reforms.
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, 'China is no longer allowing foreign adoptions of the country’s children,' highlighting the abrupt end of a program that has facilitated the adoption of over 160,000 children since the 1990s. The Guardian notes that this decision has left many American families in uncertainty, with the U.S. State Department seeking clarification on how it will affect pending cases. Al Jazeera emphasizes that the only exceptions will be for blood relatives, marking a significant shift in policy. The South China Morning Post adds that this decision aligns with international conventions, though it does not elaborate on the rationale behind the change.
How we got here
China's international adoption program began in 1985, allowing foreign families to adopt Chinese children, particularly during the one-child policy era. The program has faced scrutiny over allegations of corruption and human rights abuses, leading to its recent termination.
Go deeper
- What led to the end of the adoption program?
- How will this affect families currently in the process?
- What are the implications for future adoptions in China?
Common question
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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Beijing, alternatively romanized as Peking, is the capital of the People's Republic of China. It is the world's most populous capital city, with over 21 million residents within an administrative area of 16,410.5 km².
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.