Families in Houston and around the nation that opt for a adoption as a means to fulfill their dreams of parenthood and give a life to another human being know a world of joys and sorrow unlike any other parenting path. Even the most carefully planned adoption can be wrought with glitches and delays, causing great emotional turmoil to parents and children.
Such is the case for nearly 300 American families currently in limbo in their efforts to adopt children from Russia since last December when the Russian president signed a bill into law banning the adoption of children to the United States. The move is in response to a U.S. bill enacted by the American president in November 2012 known as the Magnitsky Act, a human rights bill focused on Russian activity.
One couple interviewed in a recent media article made a trip to Russia in November 2012, just before the new American law was signed into effect to meet what was to be their second baby adopted from Russia. Upon returning to the United States and completing all of their paperwork, expecting the adoption to complete simply, the passage of the laws in both countries transpired and blocked the process. It is a situation that does not seem to have a clear end in sight. The couple has a seven-year old son that they adopted at the age of 16 months, also from Russia.
There are many nuances involved in any international adoption and if you are a prospective adoptive parent, you may wish to consult with a family law attorney experienced in adoption law. Assuring help when unforeseen circumstances arise can give you a better chance of getting the help you need.
Source: ChicagoSun-Times.com, “Caught in Russian adoption ban, couple took ‘leap of faith’,” Cynthia Wolf, October 16, 2013