China’s announcement that it is suspending international adoptions has caused a mix of emotions for Chinese adoptees in the U.S. Some feel relief that relinquished children can maintain their birth cultures, while others mourn the end of a program that was central to their own experiences. Despite the range of opinions, many adoptees emphasize the importance of finding connection among those with shared experiences.
The suspension of international adoptions comes as China grapples with a decline in birth rates, which has prompted the government to implement a “three-child policy.” The policy change has stirred reflections on China’s one-child policy, under which many adoptees were separated from their birth families. While some adoptees see positives in the new rule, such as the opportunity for children to remain in their birth culture, others are concerned about the potential impact on existing records and ties to their home country.
Adoptees are calling for more support for children and individuals with disabilities in Chinese social welfare institutes, as well as efforts to disrupt social stigma around disabilities in the country. Despite varied reactions to the news, adoptees stress the importance of centering their voices in discussions on the policy change, as they often feel marginalized in adoption discourse. The complexity of the adoption experience is highlighted, as adoptees navigate feelings of grief, confusion, and a sense of loss following China’s decision to suspend international adoptions.
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