Pros and Cons of Domestic vs. International Adoption

Excerpted from Complete Adoption and Fertility Guide by Brette McWhorter Sember ©2004

Choosing between adopting a child within the United States or from another country is a common dilemma faced by potential adoptive parents. With domestic adoptions, it is generally easier to adopt a younger and possibly more healthy child than it is to adopt from another country. However, international adoptions tend to be quicker and can be less costly.

The following two lists identify the pros and cons to each option. Choose the path that is most comfortable for you and your family.

Domestic Adoption

Pros:
? It is easier to adopt a newborn.
? The child is usually healthy and developmental delays are limited.
? You can obtain complete medical records for the baby.
? You can obtain complete family medical history.
? Everything is conducted in English.
? You may be able to meet or have contact with the birth parents.
? The agency you are working with may be the one the child is placed through (which can simplify things).
? As complicated as the adoption process is, it is done only using the laws of this country and the requirements are very clear.

Cons:
? These adoptions generally take a year or longer.
? You may have to wait longer to get a newborn.
? You may have to deal with a birth mother who could change her mind after the baby is born.
? Your child may be able to one day meet and know the birth parents.
? You may have to meet a birth mother’s selection criteria.

International Adoption

Pros:
? These adoptions generally happen more quickly.
? There is no shortage of children available.
? The cost of the adoption is usually less than with domestic adoption.
? You gain not only a child but an entire culture that becomes part of your family.

Cons:
? The child you adopt is usually no younger than 3 or 4 months old (newborns are not available because of the way the process works).
? Children may not be in good health and may have developmental delays.
? You may get little or no medical information about your child or his or her family.
? You will have the added expense of travel.
? The red tape you may need to deal with in your child’s country of origin may be extensive.