China halts foreign adoptions, shocking U.S. families waiting to adopt

China's recent decision to end its international adoption program has left many U.S. families devastated, particularly those who had been in the process of adopting children. This policy shift, announced last week, affects hundreds of families who had been matched with children prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The president of Lifeline Children's Services, Herbie Newell, expressed that the announcement felt like a personal loss, given the long-standing collaboration between the U.S. and China in facilitating adoptions. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that the decision aligns with international conventions and acknowledged the love and desire of foreign families to adopt Chinese children. However, families in the U.S. are now left in limbo, with many having waited years to bring their children home. Newell highlighted that between 200 and 400 children had been matched with U.S. families before the pandemic, and some had even visited their adoptive families through hosting programs. The U.S. State Department is seeking clarification from China regarding the situation, recognizing the plight of families still awaiting the completion of their adoptions. Lifeline Children's Services has been advocating for these families since the pandemic began, hoping to secure answers and facilitate the adoption process. Since 1999, over 80,000 children from China have been adopted by American families, representing a significant portion of U.S. overseas adoptions. The abrupt halt to the program raises concerns about the future of these children and the families who have invested time and love in the adoption process.