Because that is where our daughter is...
This is a nice short answer that is to the point. There are many factors to consider when adopting nationally or internationally. Listed below are a few reasons why we decided a Chinese daughter is the best match for us.
Health
Chinese orphanages have the reputation of being some of the healthiest in the world. The government has also placed strict regulations and health codes to protect the well being of the children. The children are fed better and monitored more often compared to other countries. There are also far fewer cases of drug related babies and Fetal Alchohol Syndrome, unlike other parts of the world. We like the fact that it is very likely the biological mother didn't take drugs and took care of herself and the baby during the pregnancy.
Certainty vs Risk
Adoptions in the U.S. always involve a certain level of risk. Biological mothers or fathers may change their mind about giving their child up for adoption in future years. This may range from the mothers changing their mind before delivery to media blown court cases several years down the road. It is important to us that when we adopt, it is for life. China has a closed adoption policy and the adoptions almost always go through. We may have to wait a longer than a pregnancy, but it will be worth every second.
The Wait
National adoptions can take up to 10 years or more for a "match" to occur. Mike and I aren't getting any younger. Waiting this long would be a tramatic heartache. Also, many international adoptions involve long or multiple stays in the child's homecountry. The wait for a Chinese adoption ranges from 8 - 14 months (after the Doussier/paperwork has been logged into the Chinese database). This is a very fair waiting period and we are happy that once we have our daughter in our arms she will be only in our care. We are required to make one trip to China that will last about two weeks. I think it would be difficult to bond with your child, only to leave her for a few months until the adoption is final. The way our minds work, we would be worried about her care constantly.
Age
Many countries require that the adoption couple be married 3 or even sometimes 5 years. When Mike and I decided to adopt, we had been married slightly less than 2 1/2 years.
Respect
The Chinese history is very unique and remarkable. Their cilvilizations have exisited long before Europe could even be called "civilized". China is full of rich and interesting culture, one of which we feel our daughter could be proud. During the mid 1980's, Tara's mother and father visited China. Their peronsal experiences and respect of the Chinese culture is appreciated.
The need is so great
In 1979 the Chinese government insilled a one child per family policy to help control the enormous population in the country. This rule has decreased the population, but has left many female babies "familyless". Males are considered very important to the Chinese because it is the men who support aging parents and carry on the family name. Since selective sex abortions and ultrasounds (unless determined a medical emergency) are considered illegal in China, many female babies are abandonded. It is illegal to abandon your child anywhere in China, so the babies are often abandonded in secret overnight. Usually the baby is placed in a location where it is found the next morning to be brought to an orphanage. Due to the high abandonment of females, we will most likely be matched with a daughter.
Although these are sad circumstances, it does not mean we are a couple of saints out to save the world. We just want a family and are lucky enough to do this.
Support
Many of thousands of U.S. parents have adopted children China. These families are organized through support groups, newletters, chat forums, clubs, play groups, classes and heritage events. Cities along the front range and throughout Colorado offer such opportunities to Chinese heritage children and families. It is a wonderful feeling to know that the support of other similar families is available. We hope this will help our daughter's self-esteem, social skills and sense of heritage.
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