China recently announced the suspension of international adoptions, leaving many Chinese adoptees feeling a mix of emotions. Maze Felix, a 28-year-old adoptee, expressed anger, relief, grief, and confusion in response to the news. With over 80,000 children adopted from China to the U.S. in the past three decades, many adoptees are grappling with conflicting emotions of maintaining their birth cultures and mourning the end of a program that shaped their lives.
Adoption researcher Grace Newton highlighted the complexity of the situation, stating that the news of the suspension has stirred up a range of emotions for adoptees. Despite differing opinions, many adoptees are finding solace in connecting with others who share their experiences. The suspension of international adoptions comes as China faces challenges such as a decline in birth rates and the implementation of a three-child policy in an effort to address population issues.
This policy change has also sparked reflections on China’s one-child policy, which led to many children, particularly girls and those with disabilities, being placed in social welfare systems. While some adoptees see the suspension as an opportunity for children to maintain their birth culture, others are concerned about the impact on their personal records and connections to their home country.
Moving forward, adoptees are calling for more support for children in Chinese social welfare institutes and individuals with disabilities. They emphasize the need for adoptee perspectives to be central in discussions around policy changes and the importance of recognizing that adoption is a lifelong journey, not a one-time event.
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