Young, colleagues urge POTUS to fight for families impacted by China’s suspension of adoptions

Monday, November 4, 2024 at 6:00 PM

U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), U.S. Representative Erin Houchin (R-9-IN), and over 100 members of Congress urged President Biden to stand up for American families whose lives have been upended by the People’s Republic of China's (PRC) decision to end the vast majority of intercountry adoptions.

“We request that you act in the best interest of these children and families by urging the PRC to fulfill and uphold the commitment the country has made,” the lawmakers wrote, noting approximately 300 children in the PRC – some with various health conditions – are already paired with families in the United States.

“The American families that have been matched with their adoptive children are prepared to meet their long-term medical and emotional needs, and to give them the love and nurturing they need,” they continued. “Many of these children know that they have a home, which in many cases have been prepared for their arrival since the families were notified that they were matched and moving forward with the adoption process.”

The letter also acknowledged that the PRC may complete adoptions for families in some countries, per a State Department notice in October. The members called on President Biden to ensure such an action would pertain to the United States, too.

The full letter can be found here.