Adoption is complex and challenging. When you adopt internationally, the complicity of adopting a child increases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 21.449 children per year came to the United States for adoption between 2005 and 2009. Although there are so many pros to international adoption, there are just as many cons to adopting outside of the United States.
You're a Parent
Becoming a parent is the most rewarding experience a person can experience. When you adopt a child internationally, you are bringing the child into your home and offering your unconditional love. Whether you have children already or this is your first child, you will proudly become a mom or dad. Some children overseas don't have parents or have never known their parents. You will be the first example of a parent the child will experience. You may have some communication issues to overcome, but this is parenting and you both will learn together.
Health
Many children in overseas countries don't have enough food to eat or live in overcrowded orphanage without medical care. Diseases in orphanages are widespread in third world countries. Children have delayed development and may need special care. Diseases such as tuberculosis, intestinal parasites and hepatitis B are just some of the medical conditions that you may need to deal with when you adopt internationally. Limited health information can be the result of poor medical examinations in third world countries. When the child comes home to the United States, a medical doctor who specializes in examining internationally adopted children should be consulted as soon as possible. Some children are only malnourished and can quickly recover with love and caring.
Travel
Traveling to the country in which the child lives can be rewarding for many reasons. You can see where the child lives and how the child reacts to being with you. Meeting your child for the first time can mean a lot to the child and the bonding process can begin. The price of traveling and staying in a hotel can be costly, but if you treat it as a mini vacation and share time with the child, the cost will be a pittance compared to the rewards you have as you watch your child grow.
Adoption Cost
International adoptions cost more than what you would pay for a domestic adoption. Costs can include a translator to translate paperwork, processing fees, post-placement visits to your home after the adoption and medical exams. Although the fees may be higher than domestic adoption, the paperwork will be in order so nothing will put your and your child's happiness at risk.
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