Why are more people adopting from foreign countries rather than the USA?

Question

I don't understand the big deal as to why more people are adopting foreign babies. Wouldn't people think to help their own? There are millions of american children praying for permanent homes. I understand completely the poverty levels,malnutrtion in other countries, but what do you think the reasons are why people adopt globally? Do you think its fair to American people or your homeland persay?

The children in Africa, China, and other countries suffer from physical abnormalities, pyschological issues..as well as American children..I hear you can get a special "discount" for these types of children..it just sickens me...there are many innocent children in the USA who would kill for a permanent home..

this question has nothing to do with me being influenced by the media. I have tons of friends who are spending thousands upon thousands of dollars on adopting from other countries rather than the US...they even take out loans to adopt these children...

I have traveled..and I have witnessed

Lum, I will have to disagree with you completely. I have traveled and have experienced all this first hand. The term "white babies" shocks me. I am fully aware of all the circumstances, I am just merely inquiring why there is more of a global prefernce. Children in america are also living in poor conditions, violent foster homes, and are poorly nourished. My inquistions is merely why are people more attracted to global adoption.

Answer 1

Here are some reasons:

-There are very few infants availible in the US, we have B.C, legal abortion, and social programs to assist unwed mothers. Also, the social stigma of giving birth to and raising an 'illegitimate' child has lessened considerably.

-People want infants, most don't want foster children, and do not want to deal with what they believe are problems/abuse the child may have in his/her past.

-Another reason people want infants is because they assume infants are 'blank slates' that they can project their traits, interests, and beliefs ONTO. This is false, but they're hopeful. They believe 'love' is enough to transform this bundle of another family's DNA into their OWN. But they don't figure out that this theory is faulty until the teen/young adult years. And we don't hear much about those 'happy' adoptees, do we?

-Many adoptive parents also totally GET OFF on the hero/rescuer/we 'saved' you complex. They love that they can 'offer' more to these kids who come from Third World poverty. Where would this kid be without THEIR generosity?!

-They don't want to deal with, what many adoptive parents call 'baby mama drama'. While it's probably better for the child to have relationships with their natural mother, and his/her extended families, it's NOT convienent for the adoptive parents, no. It's much harder to pretend that this child is THEIRS with those pesky loved ones hanging around. Better to say, "Oh, honey, we don't know what happened to the woman who gave birth to you, she had you and she went back to her village!"

-In some of those countries (not China) you don't have to fit into any certain demographic. You don't have to have much money (just for the inital purchase, and travel, but many borrow), you can be single, gay, fat, or older. Women surrendering children in the US tend to be pickier.

Remember saraie56: Adopting a child is not a 'need' . Needs are food, water, shelter, etc. It's a want. we can't all get what we want. Children truly need their natural mothers, they don't need to be separated from their families. Mothers from these counties are in desparate situations. They need your help--why not send $200/yr. to their family instead of $20K on snatching them away from their family?

Answer 2

The Philippines use to be an ally of the U.S.A. Now they bad mouth the U.S.A. every chance they get. They are no longer friends of the U.S.A. they use the U.S.A. They are trying to kiss up to China and I hope when China begins calling in the favors they have given to the Philippines they will allow the country to be independent as the U.S. did. The truth is at the moment the Philippines needs the U.S. more than the U.S. needs the Philippines. The U.S. does not need to have a base in the Philippines any longer because of the long range planes and missiles. The Philippines does little to fight world terrorism they cannot even control terrorism in their own country. Many of us that remember the U.S. and Philippines relationship from World War II wish our friendship was as strong as it was the same, but fear when we are all gone the younger generation in the U.S. will not give crap for the Philippines. Getting kicked in the teeth gets old after a while even for us older folks.

Answer 3

although i agree that it is "unfair" to American children, there may be a stigma that American children in social services are damaged and no one want them while people believe in foreign countries the children are orphans because they are poor. Adoptees(?) in America get a tax credit for adopting American children so i don't think that is the motivation. For some reason, an African national baby is better received than an African American baby; a Vietnamese better than a Vietnamese American. As if simply being in this country somehow 'damages' children. I don't see how the socio-economic and racial issues of America are less dramatic that the issues that face many of these war-torn, impovershed countries. This leads to my final reason; many philanthropic, yet misguided Americans feel they are rescuing these children and that the American welfare and social system will 'take care' of its own. They are sadly mistaken.

Answer 4

I cannot believe Sheritols GYN has a "waiting list" for adoption. Did I read that right?

double take...yeah, i did. Does anyone else see how highly unethical that would be? That should be illegal. So what, a girl goes to her for a "check up" shes pregnant and the OBGYN sets up a private adoption? Does she do the counseling too? And what will she say to the adoptee when the adoptee comes looking for her in 20 years? Will she give them the information they're looking for? I wonder how much she makes off of her little child trafficing market? One can only guess.

I can't believe what I have read above that either.

Homestudies and the adoption classes need to be much more informative. I can't even believe people were allowed to adopt under the assumptions above. Ladies and gentlement, you have just witnessed propoganda at its best. Welcome to the NCFA. My good God.

I'm sure some adoptive parents have good intentions. I know some who do who have adopted from overseas. They however are not in the majority and I think, from what I have read, and the uneducated replies here alone tell me that at least these yahoo adopters are self entitled and un-adoptee-educated.

Its a shame really. I cringe for what their adopted children are going through. Thank GOD my a-parents aren't like that.

The Truth and Justice always prevail.

Answer 5

I would say that the children in foster care in America are there because of their birthparents being irresponsible and lazy. If you have a child you work your butt of to raise unless you are selfish then you give it way. It is not the same with the 3rd world countries. There is where the real poverty is and birth parents won't have as many chances as the birthparents in the states. So once again it is very selfish to say why not adopting in the states. Adoptive parents have a choice and respect it.

To Kann: If you were directed to me about being idiotic then I would tell you this: You don't know me therefore for you to judge it is not that smart.

If I said that the American kids are in foster care because their birth parens are irresponsible of course I don't mean all of them ... but the majority of I would say so. Sorry to hear about your mother having an emotinal break down (..but isn't that irresponsible? ... I know that she might not have been able to control herself but what about her family or your father? ) and please do not call names (do not judge) on people. Everybody is in title to their opinion and I respect yours. You should learn to respect mine an others opinion who are not the same like yours. That is what is called an adult world.

Answer 6

I have to agree 100% with Lum and I am very sorry to the person who asked this question I do not believe you have travled and seen these things or you wouldn't feel the need post this question. I am from American and I am living in Romania working with these kids who are abandoned and I have seen it first hand. It is not something you easily forget and answers this question without a doubt.

Answer 7

The adoption agencies in the U.S have a lot harder rules to go by, vs other 3 world countries that are willing to make it a lot easier for american couples to adopt.
Prime example is Angelina Jolie has adopted 3 kids all from 3 rd world countries.

Answer 8

This is a very thought provoking question. It made me rethink our motive(s) for participating in adoption. We all want and need to "belong" to someone and someone to "belong" to. I'm not talking about ownership. I'm talking about being a part of this wonderful body called "family". In this desire to satisfy this need or want or whatever we may call it...it's strong and our emotions and minds often get intertwined that it's easy to lose our focus. So...adoption is a wonderfully viable avenue that attempts to address this need of ours...particularly for those who are not able to fulfill this need. That maybe, due to biological , environmental, cultural or economic constraints. But we must never forget it is about the children and everything that they come with...even the hurt or fear we may experience when they exhibit a desire to know where they came from and who they came from. Even if it is from afar. They have a right to know..all sides. Perhaps gradually, in small doses as soon as they are able to process the information...You have inspired me and encouraged me with this question. But you and the community that have submitted their answers have sobered me and caused me to be truthful to myself and aware of what the real issue in adoptions are. Thank you. I'm looking at home first though. Just because that's my preference. No other reason at all.

Answer 9

To address some of the myths.

Infants are available in the US. It does not take years and years to get one. Domestic adoption is cheaper than international adoptional. The rules for your home are basically the same. As with any adoption domestic or international you must have a home study and fill out the proper paperwork. There is more paperwork to be done in an international adoption. Divorce or homosexuality does not block a couple from adopting domestically, homosexuality is a block in some states not all. I am not sure if that would too apply to international adoption. The adoption tax credit is applied to any adoption domestic or international. It is a $10,000 credit that can be claimed in the year of the adoption. Even if you adopt three, you still only get the one time credit. If you adopt three over three years, then you are eligible for the credit for each of those years.

As an domestic adoptive parent, I can totally understand why some choose to go International. The reasons I give are reasons known to me, and not representative as the whole.
a) There is no worry that the birth parent will come back and fight for the child
b) The child most likely will never find their birth parent in an International adoption. So there is not a chance of that interference
c) A lot of domestic adoptions now push for open adoptions. Being some kind of ongoing communication with the birth mother. Some couples are unwilling and fearful of that. It's not an issue with International adoption
d) The fear of losing your child to a parent, or relative doesn't exist.
e) Adoption is also about giving the child a better life. Internationally you are guaranteed to be able to do that here in the U.S. vs some of the third world conditions the children are exposed to
f) In the case of China, the world reacted to save the little girls of China from extinction.
g)In this process of adoption, you go over and choose your child. Male or Female. Domestically you have the same 50/50 chance
h) There is also the risk of pairing up with a birth parent, spending the money, the birth mother changing her mind after giving birth and the family is out their life savings or loan amounts they have taken. This won't happen with International adoptions

As I said, I'm a Domestic adoptive parent. I came close to losing my child once. My initial reaction was that I would go International. I never wanted to chance again the thought of someone taking my child. What may be right for one, isn't the right path for another. The bottom line is that a child is being given a loving nurturing home that they otherwise wouldn't have had. Regardless of their birthplace.

I hope that answers some of your questions. Feel free to ask me more if you'd like.

(I hope I don't come off as snarky or blunt. It's late and I woke in the middle of the night. I saw your question and wanted to give you an answer. It probably could have been better composed during my waking hours. I apologize. )

Answer 10

I have often debated that same question. Along with the charities that help people overseas. There are children living/dying on the streets right in our own country. So many people living and barely making it below poverty level. I do not disagree with helping others, but lets help ourselves too. If my "neighbors" in the alley were wearing rags, begging for food, and trying to sooth their empty hearts, I would help them first.

Answer 11

I don't think more people are adopting from foreign countries than the US. Even with the recent popularity of international adoption, I think international adoptions only account for about 20% of the overall adoptions that take place in the USA. They're just in the news more, may be more common in your particular circle of friends...and perhaps more visible on the street.

ETA to Gershom: I'm pretty sure that a lot of the people who have answered this question are not IA parents themselves. They're giving the answers that they heard from their "co-worker's wife's hairdresser's cousin's neighbor who adopted from ___." I totally agree that pre-adoption education needs to be better, but I'm pretty sure many of the people above haven't had *any.*