China recently announced the suspension of international adoptions, affecting thousands of Chinese adoptees, including Maze Felix, who expressed a mix of emotions including anger, relief, grief, and confusion. The decision has added complexity to an already complicated experience for many adoptees, who are mourning the end of a program that shaped their lives. Grace Newton, an adoption researcher and Chinese adoptee, emphasized the importance of connections among those who share similar experiences to navigate these changes.
The halt in international adoptions comes as China struggles with declining birth rates and economic challenges, following a reversal of the one-child policy in 2016. The move is part of a broader shift in Chinese policies to address population decline. While the new rule may prevent adoptees from accessing information about their heritage, there is hope that it will allow children in orphanages to maintain their cultural ties and heritage.
The decision has sparked reflection on the historical context of the one-child policy and its impact on adoptees, including challenges related to citizenship and identity. Both Felix and Monaco highlighted the need for support for adoptees in China’s social welfare system and emphasized the importance of considering adoptees’ perspectives in discussions about adoption policies. Overall, the new policy has evoked a range of emotions and raised concerns about adoptees’ access to documentation and cultural identity. Adoptees stress the importance of recognizing their experiences and ensuring their voices are heard in ongoing conversations about adoption policies.
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