Central ND News

In early September, the U.S. Department of State was informed by the People's Republic of China Ministry of Civil Affairs that as of August 28, China has stopped all foreign adoption activities. The halt affects all pending and future adoptions, except those among blood relatives.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) collaborated with his Congressional Coalition on Adoption co-chairs, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and U.S. Representatives Robert Aderholt (R-AL), and Adam Smith (D-WA), to address this issue in a joint letter to the U.S. Department of State Office of Children's Issues. The letter requests further clarification on China's decision and asks for updates on pending adoption cases to be shared with adoptive families and service providers in the United States.

"We are disappointed by the People’s Republic of China’s decision to halt its intercountry adoption program," wrote the members in their communication. "This news is devastating for the hundreds of children and American families with adoption cases pending in China, many of whom have waited years for these adoptions to be completed."

The Congressional Coalition on Adoption emphasized their concerns regarding child safety and well-being following China's abrupt termination of its adoption program: "As co-chairs...the safety of adopted children and hundreds of would-be adoptees is our top priority...Many of these children have special health care needs, and some will soon age out of care systems without the support of a permanent family."

The letter highlights the critical need for these children to receive necessary care and support, which numerous American families approved for adoption are ready to provide.