Quebec suspends international adoptions over human rights concerns

In a significant policy shift, the Quebec government announced a suspension of most new international adoption applications as of November 27, 2023, in response to rising human rights and trafficking concerns. This decision mirrors similar actions taken by other jurisdictions globally, reflecting a growing awareness of the vulnerabilities in international adoption systems. Experts, including Anne-Marie Piche, a professor at Universite du Quebec a Montreal, highlighted serious deficiencies in many adoption procedures, including coercion, inaccurate documentation, and child trafficking. The province aims to reinforce adoption practices to prevent illegal activities and ensure that children’s rights are protected, claiming that the current international frameworks do not fully guarantee these rights outlined in The Hague Convention. Quebec joins a trend among countries that are reconsidering their international adoption policies, causing a decline in the number of international adoptions from approximately 1,000 annually in the late 90s to less than 30 last year. Despite concerns, the government stated that ongoing adoptions could continue, and limited adoptions not requiring certified agencies would still be allowed. However, this moratorium will likely perpetuate the plight of children in orphanages and lead to emotional distress for families eager to adopt. Piche argues that adoption should be a last resort after exploring other avenues for maintaining children within their birth families and communities, citing the importance of preserving a child's identity and connection to their origins while acknowledging the emotional complexities of the adoption process.