I’d like to adopt internationally, maybe from Ethiopia, but only if it can be a truly open, ethical adoption. My lawyer tells me that’s impossible. Is she right?
No related posts.
Is it impossible to set out to create an open international adoption?
– December 16, 2007Posted in: Community Wisdom
Yes, absolutely it is possible to have an open international adoption. And thankfully there are some people who support it and make it possible. Now, it may be difficult to set out and create one, especially when the rules/laws and customs don’t favor it. My son is adopted from Guatemala. His adoption was intended to be closed. I managed to get a foot in the door before it closed and then kicked it open a year later. In order for a closed adoption to be open you need a lot of people in the know to support it. First and foremost the birth mother will need to want an open adoption. The lawyers and orphanage directors need to support it, because they are the ones who will be the go betweens. If they don’t want to help you, you’ve got nothing to go on.
I didn’t work with my lawyer, because I sensed she wouldn’t be helpful. I remained connected with the orphanage director who knew the birth mom and knew how to contact her. My son’s birth mom was always concerned about the son she placed. When she heard I wanted to get to know her, she was completely on board. We met 3 years ago and communicate monthly by telephone. It’s been a wonderful experience for our family.
Good luck.
I live in Ireland and have adopted a little boy from ethiopia and I am in contact with his mother. I am just beginning to research how to best go about maintaining an open adoption.