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]