Cox News Service has written a story about Guatemalan adoptions that was picked up today by the Chicago Tribune. There's nothing much to it but since I was interviewed by the writer, I figured I should post it. I am hoping he will follow up with something more though he admits that space is difficult. Needless to say, I gave him a lot more info. But, I compliment the reporter because for the first time, at least I wasn't misquoted!
You can find the story here: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0703010214mar01,1,7692942.story?track=rss
Like everyone else, we're anxiously awaiting word on the protocolo. We'll post when we know what was said. For anyone not aware, it is being announced as I type this.
Posted by Kevin at March 1, 2007 02:46 PMKevin,
I read the article in the Chicago Trib with interest--but like you, I think it was far too short to cover ethical issues reasonably well. For example, the issue about "paying" birthmothers in Guatemala, vs. paying their expenses here...or the issue that poverty brings to bear on the decision of a mother to place her child for adoption--isn't that a money-related decision? I think the issues that are touched on as being black-and-white are much grayer than they are portrayed. Still, the only really misleading thing the article did was to make it sound as though Pres. Berger only needed a moment with Pres. Bush to be made aware that the US intended to shut down adoptions if reforms weren't made. I'm sure Pres. Berger is well aware, and there are lots of other issues there, too.
Thanks for speaking up on behalf of Guatemalan children and adoptive parents.
Carolyn
What the Chicago Tribune article does not bring out are the numbers relating to how many children die in Guatemala each year from starvation or lack of access to common medicinal resources and services. We adopted a sibling pair in 2005. It took over two and a half years though, due to UNICEF causing the existing process to be shutdown for six months. We were originally told it would take 6-9 months.
Gordon Knapp, Orlando, FL
Posted by: Gordon Knapp at March 1, 2007 04:21 PMIt satisfies me to see an anti-UNICEF statement/reference made (Susana Luarca), in this article, if only brief.
This corrupt organization with its seemingly evil agenda concerning intercounty adoptions sickens me. If they really cared for the welfare of chidren, they wouldn't offer $28 million to Berger but would use that money to help the children escape poverty in Guatemala.
It's really up to us adoptive parents, PAPs, and pro-adoption advocates to expose UNICEF for what they really are.
Posted by: Lea at March 1, 2007 07:12 PM