Adoption

Adoption is the legal transfer of the rights and responsibilities of parenthood of a child from its biological parents to another responsible adult (or adults) who then assumes the role of mother and/or father.

In 1990, the U.S. Department of State issued almost 7,100 visas for foreign orphans adopted by Americans.[1] By 2006, this number had increased to 20,679 visas for such orphans.

In 2002, 22,291 babies were adopted in the United States.[2]

In the United States there are well over 100,000 children under the age of sixteen waiting to be adopted, though this number has dropped in recent years.[3]

Adoption rates in some states have been reduced as a consequence of the legalization and promotion of abortion.[4]

More than one-third of Americans have seriously considered adopting, but no more than 2% have followed through.[5]

## See also[edit]

* Foster Care
* Adoption Success Stories

## References[edit]

1. ↑ National Catholic Register B1 (Mar. 4-10, 2007)
2. ↑ Data from the National Council for Adoption
3. ↑ http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/stats_research/afcars/trends.htm
4. ↑ https://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/journals/3402502.html
5. ↑ Christian Examiner, November 2007, Vol. 25, No. 11, Page 1