Couples wishing to adopt a child may choose to adopt from their own country, called domestic adoption, or from a foreign country, called international, or foreign adoption. Each type of adoption has its benefits and risks. When deciding where to adopt your child from, it is important to carefully consider various factors, including the pros and cons of both types of adoption.
Available Children
There are more children available for adoption internationally than domestically, according to Adoption.com. Because there are many countries to choose from, you will most likely find a child who matches the age, race and ability level that you are looking for, according to MamasHealth.com.
Birth Mothers
With an international adoption, the child is legally an orphan, and the birth mother does not have legal standing to reclaim him, according to Adoption.com. AdoptionNavigator points out that because there is little or no contact with the birth mother, there may be unknown medical problems with the child or in the child's family history.
Travel
In most cases, you will need to (or get to) travel to your child's native country to pick her up. Adoption.com states that most countries that require travel only ask you to stay for approximately 1 week, and that there are other countries that will allow an escort to bring the baby to you.
Age of the Child
Most children available for foreign adoption are not newborn infants. In some cases, the babies may be as young as 3 months old, but more often, they are closer to a year old, according to Adoption.com. The children may have some delays, either emotional or developmental, according to AdoptionNavigator.com.
Frustration
While all adoptions require paperwork, AdoptionNavigators.com suggests that international adoption requires more than domestic adoptions. Also, adoption policies in foreign countries may change, perhaps in the midst of your adoption.
Restrictions and Costs
According to AdoptionNavigators, there may be fewer restrictions on a couple or an individual who is seeking an international adoption, as opposed to those seeking a domestic adoption. Also, while a foreign adoption may cost more, the fees are normally known up front.
