AirTalk for September 29, 2009

Chinese adoption concerns

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AFP/Getty Images

A Chinese worker cares for the babies at an orphanage in Wuhu, in eastern China's Anhui province on August 7, 2009. China has for many years been an attractive place for foreigners looking to adopt children, but the Chinese government has placed restrictions on overseas adoptions in recent years, while encouraging more domestic families to adopt.

Since the 1990's, more than 80,000 Chinese children have been adopted abroad, with the common belief that many were abandoned due to the government's one-child policy and a preference for having boys. Those who violate the policy are subject to heavy fines, but Chinese parents are coming forward to report that some officials instead are taking their children forcefully and putting them up for adoption. These officials are motivated to profit from the $3,000 per child that adoptive parents pay to orphanages. Larry Mantle looks into the story and discusses the concerns and available options for parents of adopted children.

Guests:


Barbara Demick, Beijing Bureau Chief, Los Angeles Times

Jill Boyer, Community Services Program Director, Vista Del Mar Child & Family Services

Susan Robinson, adoptive parent of a teenager from China


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