Getting Started with International Adoption
Chat Transcript with Sigal Shapira Director of International Adoptions at
Spence-Chapin Question: Earlier this year, at least one agency told single women applicants that to adopt from Guatemala they would have to sign an affidavit that they were not homosexual. This was stated in terms that indicated it is now a law in Guatemala. Do you have any info on this?
Sigal: I've heard of single men being required to do that (and women in China). In general, at this time there is no country (that I am aware of) that would approve of an openly gay person. We have never had a woman applying for adoption in Guatemala be asked to submit any statement regarding sexual preference.
Question: Is it your experience that if a couple refuses the referral of a particular child, it affects future referrals?
Sigal: It would depend on the reason for the refusal. We encourage our families to consult with a pediatrician who specializes in international adoption. Medical reasons for turning down a referral are usually respected by the country - although some countries are specific that if you turn down a second referral you will not receive another.
The most important thing to know about international adoption is that it can be unpredictable, laws in countries can change, or a country may impose a moratorium due to political reasons. But if you have decided to develop your family through international adoption, and you can be patient and flexible - it will happen.
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