The past few years, there has been a sudden rise in international adoptions. I think it’s great that America has taken such an interest in helping the world with such a huge orphan epidemic. However, I think a major point is being overlooked:
What about domestic adoption?
Churches and religious organizations have been leading the charge for international adoption. After books like Crazy Love and Radical – everyone wanted to adopt a little African baby. I fully respect anyone who feels “called” to adopt. My Uncle Danny (and his wife, Nan) adopted my cousin Victor from Russia. I’ll never forget the story he told me of flying to Moscow with $40,000 strapped to his chest to pick up his son. It’s a great option for a lot of people. But why international? Do you have a burden or soft spot for that people/country? I only ask because there are thousands of orphans right here in America. Its easy to look at a malnourished child in Haiti and clearly see his needs a family. But what about that kid who has been abandoned by his parents…right in your own county or country?
I will never question the motives of anyone who adopts internationally. The task of adopting is never easy and I have seen how tough it is, first hand, for the kids (and the host family) to make that transition.
You may be asking “why is he going on this rant about international adoption?” Well, I have a special connection to domestic adoption. When only a few days old, my dad was adopted by my grandparents. Harold and Helen Jennings are two of the greatest people ever and did a great job of raising my dad. I can still see it, today, that my dad tries to be like his dad. And I don’t blame him one bit for that. You couldn’t ask for a better role model/hero to look up to. But my dad is one of the lucky ones. Many kids looking for a home never find one.
I think the problem even goes deeper than that. What credibility do you have telling Planned Parenthood they are wrong, and then turn around and solely adopt internationally…or not at all? How many unwanted pregnancies would not go to the drastic measure of abortion if they knew a loving home was awaiting their child? I am not saying a sudden push in adoption would end abortion. But it would definitely help. What if Planned Parenthood became an organization who helped place these children in homes because their was such an influx of willing and wanting parents for adoption? What if instead of picketing them, we worked together? It’s obvious that words alone are not going to do the trick. Our actions must speak much louder than our words.
I’ll be the first to say: it’s not an either/or type of situation….it’s a both/and scenario. We must continue to set an example for the world by reaching out to the orphans of other countries. But we must also set an example to those countries by those willing and able to adopt and care for the orphans in our own country. Wouldn’t it be great to see to each country stepping up and, for the most part, taking care of its own?
I say all of this to get one major point across: don’t discount or disregard the importance of considering domestic adoption. Don’t let the hype of international adoption lead you away from what you may be truly called to do….adopting right here in the U.S.
