China’s population drops for a second year despite government push for more babies
NBCJan 22
China Bans Overseas Adoptions of its Children
Above: Madelyn Hostetler (R), the biological daughter of an American couple, hugs He Chaotong, a disabled Chinese orphan they adopted, in Wuhan, China. Image copyright: China Photos/Contributor/Getty Images news via Getty images
The Facts
The Chinese government has said that, in line with global trends, it's ending the practice of overseas adoption of its children.
According to the country's foreign ministry, the only exception to this prohibition would be if the child is a biological relative of the adoptive parents or is their stepchild.
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
This change in policy must be viewed within the context of China's changing demographics. The PRC's population dropped for two consecutive years during 2022-2023, including a notable drop in the number of babies born. Chinese demographers have also called for policy shifts to include incentivizing couples to have children and even undertaking a national campaign to raise the national birth rate. Look for more changes to roll out to address this pressing societal issue.
Anti-China narrative
China's ending of foreign adoptions closes a chapter of hope for many children and families. For decades, this program offered a chance at a loving home and better opportunities for thousands of Chinese children — particularly girls affected by the one-child policy. It created beautiful cross-cultural families and life-changing experiences for both adoptees and adoptive parents. The sad end of this program represents a loss of cultural exchange and understanding between China and the adopting countries.
Narrative C
The adoption of Chinese children, particularly girls, involves complex issues. Many adoptees struggle with cultural identity, feeling disconnected from their Chinese heritage while fully immersed in the culture of the adoptive country. This often leads to a sense of not belonging fully to either world. The adoption process has been criticized for potentially oversimplifying the narrative of "rescue" from a difficult life in China.