Many of us have been nothing short of appalled by the negative and often inaccurate portrayal of Intercountry adoption from Guatemala. The mass media have failed in their journalistic duty to investigate a story comprehensively and objectively. The fact that, if true, the horrific cases written about could not reasonably result in an adoption from Guatemala is overcome by sensationalized headlines.
Individuals, grassroots organizations, and non-profit groups have been attempting to clarify the facts around adoptions from Guatemala for some time. Unfortunately, our voices have not been heard by those with the ability to create an accurate portrayal.
A petition has been written to try to show the numbers of people disturbed by the media’s portrayal of Intercountry adoption from Guatemala. It is targeted to two media watchdog organizations as well as the C.I.S. in Guatemala, all of whom have the ability to help with this situation. This petition has been by endorsed by both Focus on Adoption and Families Without Borders.
To sign the petition, go to http://www.petitiononline.com/41203gm/petition.html . Please pass it on to as many people as possible.
Please have every individual sign separately rather than putting something like "Mr. and Mrs. Jones" so that we get a more accurate number of signatures.
p.s. There is a typo on the title of the petition. I am trying to get this fixed but normal rules for the petition site are, for good reason, that once it is posted, no changes are permitted. This typo will not appear when the petition is forwarded to hose it targets and I promise to do a better job of proofreading next time...
Thanks, Kevin, for this excellent petition. It didn't accept my signature so I'll try again.
Posted by: Elizabeth S. at January 25, 2004 08:03 PMI had the same problem as Elizabeth. I will try to sign again tomorrow.
Also there is a typo on the headline -- Adoption is spelled wrong.
Thanks to everyone for their work on this important piece. I've been telling all my family and friends about the inaccurate potrayals (and I have a BIG family). I'm hoping word of mouth also helps.
Just a side note, we have been home two weeks with Carmen Maria. Waited for her for 11 months (and got to meet her right on her first birthday).
Here's hoping all waiters get good news soon and here's hoping the anti adoption forces realize there are thousands of decent adoptive parents who are FURIOUS and VOCAL about the negative and inaccruate stories being printed.
Posted by: Tonya R. at January 25, 2004 10:01 PMKevin-
I think that we should e-mail a media information kit to all large news organizations
outlining the elements , and checks and
balances in Guatemalan Adoptions. It
should also include facts on the incidence of
mal-nutrition, infant deaths, and poverty
in Guatemala, so sources understand how
meaningful it is for children to be adopted
from Guatemala. Perhaps 20/20, 60
Minutes, Oprah, Newsweek , Time, etc.
could be educated.
Thank you for organizing the Petition!
Grace
Posted by: Grace Amedeo at January 29, 2004 12:25 AMGrace,
This is already being done to some extent. Families With Borders (www.familieswithoutborders.org) has written a comprehensive report dealing with all of these areas that is being sent to some media groups. It is basically directed at UNICEF sponsors for thier positions but it goes into it.
The issue thus far with the mass-media is that they refuse to cover the whole story - all the things you mentioned. My hope is to be able to get some attention from the media watchdog groups who will then make sure some accurate covergae happens, generally through the independant press.
It's a great idea and all things start with one person. But ideas need action! So go for it. But beware, because they may just not cover the story as you hope...
Posted by: Kevin at January 29, 2004 12:55 PMIn the middle of all the political turmoil that this website has been focusing on lately, I feel a little sheepish and insignificant posting my comment. Thank you to those of you who have been kind enough to share the good news when your adoptions became final. You have been a great encouragement to me. I have checked this website daily in the hope of seeing the announcements that the cases are coming out of PGN. My husband and I got the good news today that we will be able to travel to bring our 8 month old daughter home in a couple of weeks. I hope that those of you who still wait will be encouraged by this. As thrilled as we are about our daughter I just want the best for all the birth mothers and the nation of Guatemala. We are very thankful for the wonderful little girl we found there.
Posted by: carol at January 29, 2004 08:13 PMCarol - Of all the news we see...a child coming home is the most precious. I don't congratulate readers nearly enough....just know that with every happy post, it brings a smile to my face and tears to my eyes!
Dear Folks, thanks for the petition, and all the work that you do in the 'bigger' world of adoption.
Carol, thanks to you for jumping in and encouraging all of us. I agree with Kelly.
I have a very general question...my case is just about to go in to the PGN. Do folks have a time-frame for about how long it is taking now to get through the PGN? My dossier was complete in July 2003, DNA is approved. Thanks so much, Karen
animall name info
Posted by: animal at March 29, 2004 08:27 PM