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China makes a surprising decision to suspend all international adoptions, leaving thousands of families and children in a state of uncertainty.
In an unexpected turn of events, the China decided to suspend the adoption of children by foreign families, leaving many people around the world perplexed and worried.
The announcement, made at a delicate time for both China's domestic politics and international relations, could represent a milestone in closing a significant period in the history of international adoptions.
This decision not only challenges the trajectory established by China in recent decades, but also raises a series of questions about the motivations and impacts of this radical change.
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Radical change in adoption policies
According to a statement by Mao Ning, spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry, the country will no longer allow foreigners to adopt Chinese children.
Only cases involving already authorized blood relatives will continue to be processed. The decision, which marks an abrupt shift in China’s international adoption policies, was not accompanied by clear details on how the measure will be implemented or how it will affect ongoing adoptions.
A shocking numerical reality
Since 1992, China has allowed more than 160 children to be adopted by international families, with the United States leading as the largest destination for adopted children.
In 2005, the peak of Chinese international adoptions was reached with nearly 8 adoptions in a single year.
However, the adoption rate has begun to decline in recent years, reflecting the falling birth rate and the strengthening of the protection system for people with disabilities in China.
The legacy of the one-child policy and its effects
The one-child policy, implemented in the late 1970s to control population growth, is closely linked to the issue of international adoptions.
This policy, which was strictly enforced until the 1990s, resulted in a significant increase in the number of orphans and, consequently, in international adoptions.
With the relaxation of this policy and the introduction of the three-child allowance per couple in 2021, China has begun to face a changed demographic scenario.
Pandemic and suspension of adoptions
During the COVID-19 pandemic, China temporarily suspended international adoptions, resuming only cases where travel authorizations had been issued before 2020.
By 2023, the number of international adoptions had dropped dramatically, with only 16 Chinese children adopted by US families.
This suspension not only reflects the global health crisis, but also fits into a broader context of diplomatic tension and changes in China's domestic politics.
Global impact and reactions
The suspension of international adoptions was met with surprise and concern by many countries and families who were in the adoption process.
The U.S. State Department expressed solidarity with the affected families, acknowledging the emotional and logistical impact of the decision.
The measure also provokes reflections on the implications for global adoption policy and the rights of children in vulnerable situations.
What's to come?
China's decision to suspend international adoptions raises complex questions about the future of children still in the adoption process and the possible international reactions.
The lack of details on the implementation of the new policy and the lack of clarity on the cases already underway leave a field of uncertainty.
Do you think China’s decision could trigger changes in adoption policies in other countries? What do you think prompted this radical change? Share your thoughts and concerns in the comments below.
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