China Ends International Adoption Program

China has officially ended its international adoption program, ceasing processing for all pending cases and emphasizing that only adoptions among blood relatives will be allowed. Over the past three decades, more than 82,000 children were adopted from China, and the abrupt termination of this program is leaving many prospective families heartbroken and in limbo. Critics argue that this decision undermines international norms and raises concerns about the welfare of children still in orphanages, as the country shifts its focus to promoting national self-reliance and limiting Western influence. Adoptive families, while reflecting on the complexities of their experiences, are divided on the program's legacy, acknowledging both the joys and the harsh realities that drove many to adoption in the first place. The U.S. State Department is seeking clarity on how this policy shift will affect families already in the adoption process, while advocates worry about the future of children left without families. This shift also impacts faith-based organizations that have historically facilitated international adoptions, potentially hindering their missions in China.