China recently announced that it is suspending international adoptions, causing mixed emotions among Chinese adoptees in the U.S. Grace Newton, an adoption researcher and Chinese adoptee, explained that while some adoptees may feel relieved that children can now maintain their birth cultures, others are mourning the end of a program that influenced many aspects of their lives. The suspension of international adoptions comes after China greenlit such adoptions in 1992, leading to around 160,000 Chinese children being adopted to other countries, half of them to the U.S.
The recent policy change coincides with China’s reversal of the one-child policy in 2016, leading to a decline in birth rates. With the introduction of a three-child policy in 2021 and incentives for families, such as tax deductions and housing subsidies, the hope is to combat the declining population. Katelyn Monaco, a Chinese adoptee, sees positives in the new change as it allows children in orphanages to stay connected to their birth culture.
Chinese adoptees are concerned about the impact of the new policy on their records and documentation. Many have longed for connections to their birth country and are anxious about potential restrictions on orphanage visits and birth parent searches. Newton emphasized the need for more support for children in Chinese social welfare institutes, suggesting that funds originally allocated to international adoption should instead go towards strengthening social support for children and individuals with disabilities.
Overall, adoptees should be central to discussions around the policy change, as their experiences and perspectives are crucial in understanding the complexity of international adoption and its long-term effects on individuals. Adoptees should not be seen as “perpetual children” whose voices are not essential in policy discussions and societal perceptions. The journey of adoption is a lifelong process that requires ongoing support and understanding.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com