Why Aren't Children Adopted in Their Own Countries?
by Sue Merriam
Organizations like UNICEF are opposed to international adoption, arguing that children adopted internationally lose their culture. So why aren't these children adopted in their own countries?
Actually, governments in most countries want these children to be adopted within their own borders. But there aren't enough local parents to adopt these children. Why? Here are some of the reasons:
Poverty
In some third world countries, many people are living on less than $1 a day. They can't afford to take care of their own families, let alone adopt any more children. Without adoption, many children are forced to live and work on the streets. These street children seldom live past the age of 18.
Prejudice
People in many third world countries have a prejudice both against orphans and against children who look different and have darker skin. It is much harder to find local couples willing to adopt these children, so they are adopted internationally.
Stigma Against Adoption
In Asian countries and in India, many people place a strong emphasis on bloodlines. Children who aren't biologically related are often viewed in a negative light. Plus, couples who are unable to conceive are considered a disgrace to their families.
Stigma Against Single Mothers
Unlike in the United States, where single women can freely raise a child born out of wedlock, there is a strong stigma against these women in other countries. Single mothers in Asian countries are viewed as untrustworthy and will often have trouble finding work.
Single women who choose to keep their babies face poverty and disgrace.
Girls
In Asian countries and in India married women are under tremendous pressure to give birth to sons. In India, daughters cannot marry unless they have a sizable dowry and a lavish wedding. A woman who gives birth to one girl too many will be forced to either kill her baby or abandon her at an orphanage.
In China, where only one child is allowed, families prefer sons to carry on the family name and support his parents in their old age. Again, unwanted girls are often abandoned rather than killed.
Visit my website www.international-adoption-facts-and-information.com for more!
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