NCFA Media : Press Releases

China SARS Adoption Suspension

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact:
Lee Allen
(703) 535-1919
Mobile (24/7): 301-693-6513
FAX: 703-535-1901
Email: lallen@infantadopt.org

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA, May 16, 2003 - Thomas Atwood, president of the National Council For Adoption (NCFA) today issues a statement regarding the China Center of Adoption Affairs’ (CCAA) suspension of most foreign adoptions, effective Thursday, May 15, 2003.

"The National Council For Adoption expresses concern over China’s decision to suspend intercountry adoptions as a result of the threat of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). We appreciate China’s efforts to stop the spread of this deadly disease," says Atwood, a leading advocate on domestic and international adoption-related issues. "For the sake of the children and families already involved in China’s intercountry adoption process, as well as the families considering Chinese adoption, we hope that the suspension is short-lived and adoptions will be resumed as soon as possible. We are, of course, monitoring the situation very closely."

The CCAA notice indicates that parents with travel dates may be allowed to proceed with their adoptions, but that leaves many parents who have been matched with children whose adoptions are suspended. Atwood adds, "The suspension will be especially difficult for any children and families who have already been matched. Once the match has been made, the parent-child bonding begins. Like any parents would be, these parents are intent on uniting with their children just as quickly as possible. The suspension leaves them in an anxious limbo."

According to NCFA data, China has led other countries in the number of children adopted by U.S. parents for five out of the last ten years, including each the past three years. Adoptions of Chinese children by U.S. parents increased from 330 in 1993, to 5,053 in 2002, and have been in the 4,000 to 5,000 range for the last five years.

For more information regarding NCFA’s activities and policies, the media is encouraged to contact Lee Allen at the number or email address listed above.

About NCFA

Since 1980, the NCFA has been a leading voice among national child adoption and welfare organizations. NCFA is a research, education, and advocacy nonprofit that provides adoption information, promotes ethical adoption practices, works to shape public policy and legislation regarding adoption issues, and serves as a continuing resource to women with unplanned pregnancies, adoptive families, and those seeking to adopt.

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