Earthquake May Prove to be a Milestone for Chinese Adoptions

by Pam Connell | More from this Blogger

25 May 2008 12:01 AM

In a stunning departure from centuries of tradition, thousands of China's people are considering adoption, moved by the stories of the orphans of the massive earthquake which shook Sichuan Province as well as neighboring provinces on May 12.

In the past, adoption has been unusual in Chinese society. Until recently the government discouraged it, fearing that some people would use adoption to get around the one-child (or one-boy or two-girl in some rural areas) policy.

But more than that, cultural mores have deterred adoption. An official from the China Center for Adoption Affairs explained that previously, people who adopted would move to a different city to keep the adoption secret. Many Chinese in the past thought it was dishonorable to bring into the family a child not related by blood. However, many adoptive parents are now open about their adoptions.

Perhaps the magnitude of the current tragedy will further the acceptance of adoption on a larger scale. The death toll is now well over 60,000 people, with 5 million people homeless. Of course, the first priority after a disaster is to try to reunite children with parents or with other relatives. Children's pictures are being shown on television, in newspapers and on posters at relief camps. Seventy children have now been confirmed as orphans, and officials say the total could reach 4,000.

According to the Chinese People's Daily (a Chinese newspaper published in English and several other languages), the government will provide confirmed orphans with a living allowance of 600 yuan (about $86 U.S.) per month for the next three months, and they will be cared for by welfare institutions. The central government also says it will pay college or vocational school tuition for orphans and will offer orphans job assistance upon graduation. The government says it is drafting plans for adoptions of quake orphans.

Please see these related blogs:

Mixed Feelings about Countries Closing

Feelings About Countries Closing to Outside Adoption, Part Two

Jobs in Disaster Relief

Learn more about Pam Connell

Pam Connell is a mother of three by both birth and adoption. She has worked in education, child care, social services, ministry and journalism.

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