Why international adoption vs. domestic?

JessicaE · 01-03-2003, 06:39 PM

I'm a TTCer who's started toying with the possibility of adoption (I have to mull things over for a looooooong time before I take action, so I want to be prepared if we do go this route).

I'm curious as to why so many people are choosing international adoption over domestic. Is it the cost? The wait time? How much is the difference in cost and wait? Are there other reasons?

I would be truly grateful for any insights you could share.

lemondog · 01-03-2003, 07:56 PM

Welcome Jessica!

I am a regular poster to the International Adoption boards at parentsplace.com, and someone recently brought up this same question. There were many wonderful insights provided, so I urge you to visit the link and read what everyone there posted. Hopefully it will help you make a more informed decision and figure out which route is best for you! Good luck!

http://boards2.parentsplace.com/mess...tion96/35.html

JessicaE · 01-06-2003, 11:01 PM

Thanks, lemondog! That link was very helpful. I would welcome any other thoughts as well!

dna · 01-07-2003, 10:18 AM

Hi JessicaE

Dh and I chose International over Domestic simply becuz the odds of adopting a child here in Ontario within my lifetime are nil to none...We chose Ukraine as our country for going to adopt our son becuz we have heard some wonderful things about the children and the process is quite different in regards to referrals of the children...you travel to meet your child and interact right away with him/her...
I wish you the best of luck there is so much information on the 'net about it...just type in International Adoption !

lilac · 01-13-2003, 06:08 PM

dh and I chose to adopt domestically.
We elected to adopt a child that was our same race (mexican)and we wanted a newborn. We adopted our baby 4 months after signing up with our agency. We brought her home from the hospital. It was expensive (after everyone was paid, it was approx $23,000)
and I would do it again in a heartbeat!!!!!!

I myself chose domestic because I felt like I had more control over things if they were happening near my home. (The control is really all on the birthmother though). After all, it is her precious angel she is giving up to us.

Good luck with the choice you decide to make.

MicKen · 01-13-2003, 07:48 PM

My husband and I chose international adoption (we adopted from Ukraine a few months ago) because ....

---don't have to worry about a birthmother changing her mind (that was my BIG one), the birthmother makes a written statement in Ukraine relinquishing her rights to the child

---the idea of traveling to another country was so exciting! It is the chance and adventure of a lifetime!

----the orphans overseas are SO many and all in need of good homes

----it is SO much faster (depending upon country). Our adoption took a total of a little less than 8 months.

We had a wonderful experience and would do it again in a heartbeat! But what was really cool is that we learned and lived another culture. America is so different from many parts of the world, and I feel fortunate that I was able to experience life in an entirely different part of the world. Now it makes me want to travel more!!!

lilac · 01-16-2003, 02:30 PM

jessica-
domestic adoptions can be quick too. as i mentioned before, after signing up with our agency, we became parents in FOUR MONTHS!!! During this time, we also had 3 other interested birthmothers. I have always referred interested couples to our agency. They are The Adoption Network in Laguna Beach, CA. They help people from all over. Nationally and overseas. You can access their website at www.adoptionnetwork.com or call them toll free at 800-FOR-ADOPT. Ask to speak to Allan or Carol Gindi. They were an infertile couple that adopted their children and now help other people achieve their dream of becoming parents. Ask them to mail you their packet of info. They mail you great resources on adoption, a video about their services, and a great library resource about adoption. They were featured on our local news channel as well as various talk shows like the Leeza Gibbons show. Even if you don't use their services, I encourage you to request the packet. It's really useful. Take care and God bless.

Oana · 01-16-2003, 07:35 PM

From what I know (and it's not much) it's faster, it often is less expensive, and you have the option of adopting younger children.

I am from Romania and I used to volunteer at a girls orphanage over there. Those girls were the sweetest, smartest, most affectionate kids.. Unfortunatley, they were 6-16 yo, and (understandably, in many ways) fewer couples choose an older child if the choice of a baby is available..

I thing adoption is such a generous, loving gesture, I admire all who do it or even consider it!

If we cannot conceive, I would definitely consider it, though my husband will need a good amount of convincing..

Good luck to you all, ladies!
Oana

JessicaE · 01-17-2003, 10:55 AM

Thank you, everyone! I think we're going to try one or two more IUIs and at least one cycle of IVF, but the adoption option is definitely a viable one for us down the line. I still don't know whether we'd choose domestic or international, but the info is much appreciated!