China has officially ceased the international adoption of its children, a move ending a policy that has been in place for three decades. This decision follows a pause on these adoptions since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and while it did not come as a surprise to many, it has left numerous families, particularly in the United States, in a state of limbo. The cessation is part of broader international trends and reflects changes within China itself, including efforts to address its declining birth rate and a preference for domestic adoptions.
- China has ended its three-decade-long policy of allowing international adoptions.
- The decision follows a suspension of international adoptions since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
- The move has significantly impacted many families in the process of adopting from China, especially in the United States.
- A total of 160,000 Chinese children have been adopted internationally over the past 30 years, with the majority, 82,000, going to the United States.
- Most of the adopted children were girls, a consequence of China’s one-child policy and the cultural preference for boys.
- China cites alignment with international norms and concerns over fraudulent documentation and human trafficking as reasons for ending international adoptions.
- Reports suggest the decision could also reflect strained relations between China and Western countries.
- China is facing a declining birth rate and has introduced measures to encourage larger families, favoring domestic adoptions as part of its strategy.
- There are currently 160,000 orphans in China in need of families and homes.
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