China recently announced the suspension of international adoptions, sparking a range of emotions among Chinese adoptees in the U.S. Maze Felix, a Chinese adoptee, expressed feelings of anger, relief, grief, and confusion in response to this news. With over 80,000 Chinese children adopted to the U.S. in the past three decades, adoptees are grappling with the end of a program that was central to their experiences.
The suspension of international adoptions comes amidst changes in China’s population policies, including the reversal of the one-child policy and the introduction of a three-child policy. This new development has led to a decline in adoption rates from China to other countries, particularly the U.S. The policy shift has raised concerns among adoptees about their access to records, cultural connections, and identity.
While some adoptees see the positives of children in orphanages being able to maintain their birth cultures, others worry about the potential loss of ties to their home country. Additionally, challenges related to securing citizenship, understanding heritage, and accessing documentation pose ongoing issues for adoptees. The need for support for children and individuals with disabilities in China’s social welfare system is emphasized, as well as the importance of centering adoptees in discussions around adoption policy changes.
Despite the complex emotions and challenges raised by the suspension of international adoptions, adoptees stress the importance of community, connection, and support for those with shared experiences. The decision to end international adoption has significant implications for adoptees’ identities, cultural connections, and access to important records, highlighting the need for ongoing dialogue and action to address these concerns.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
