Russian Adoptions Halted?
There has forever been the threat of Russian adoptions being halted, as Russians are very protective of their children, especially when their children are in American families. However, after numerous deaths (see sidebar) and the most recent acquittal of Miles Harrison, originally charged with involuntary manslaughter, the Russian government is even more apt to ban Americans from adopting.
The Russian authorities have called to restrict or end the adoption of Russian children by Americans.
In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said, “Serious doubts arise as to the legitimacy of the practice of transferring our children for adoption to a country where their rights, primarily the right to life, turn out to be unprotected.”
But, what happens to the children if they stay in Russia? Do they end up on the streets like the millions of street children? Do they end up in orphanages scrounging for attention and for food that the authorities can barely pay for? Or, do they end up staying with birth parents who neglect them?
Which, if either, system is better? I would have to bet that a chance at a life in America with an adoptive family is better.
I personally know a family whose son adopted from Russia tragically died from a heart condition that no one caught before he was even home a year. Their agency is being investigated by Russia.
When I hear stories like this it has new meaning to me as I immediately think of them and the added grief that has to be on some of the parents who have lost their children. The grief in knowing that their grief could cause a whole country to shut down. A country which they obviously have some good thoughts about since they adopted from Russia.
I’m very happy to not see his name on the list you linked to.
Think what would have happened if you hadn’t adopted AJ and got him the medical help and affection he needed. You saved him from a life of misery!!!! He is so blessed to be in your families loving care…….