Sadly Disappointed with Paula Zhan Interview

It seemed to start off well but then once the 'panel' got involved the focus moved away from the changes being made by CCAA and moved more to 'why aren't these people adopting from the US?' They also insinuated that all people adopting from China are doing so because they want perfect, smart, beautiful children who will all grow up to be doctors. Ugh....why must people judge one another's decisions rather than accept them? I can't say that the interview made me 'angry' (it takes quite a bit to make me angry) I was more disappointed then anything.

I chose to write Paula Zhan and offer my opinion. Please note this is my opinion only.

My comment:

Paula,
I watched with great anticipation tonight the story you were sharing about the changes being made my CCAA with regards to those people who may/may not qualify in the future to adopt a precious baby from China. I was disappointed that rather than stay with the facts and discuss the changes, the panel chose to voice their opinions that people adopting from China are looking for intelligent China dolls. Sadly the panel totally missed the original point of the segment - to discuss the changes being made by CCAA.

There are so many reasons I chose to adopt from China, most importantly being that is where my daughter is! China has a very predictable adoption process which is much more than I can say about either Canada or the United States. In China, when you follow the proper channels there is a child for you at the end of the process. A child that will not be taken away because the mother changes her mind.

As a single person I (currently) have the ability to adopt a baby, not a 3+ year old who has already had to endure more in their short little life than I will ever know.

Are China's babies healthy? Yes. Not perfect and they can definitely have health issues but as a parent the chances of my precious daughter having to live a life altered due to drug and/or alcohol abuse by her birth mother are much lower that with NA babies.

I would much appreciate it if you would consider doing a follow-up segment that features 'people in the know.' An adoption agency. A parent who has adopted from China and possibly one who is currently in the process.

I must admit that even though I would no longer qualify to adopt from China due to my single status I cannot fault the country for making the changes that they are. They want the very best for their children and I believe that is their aim. A parent who adopts internationally has to go through more tests, interviews and police checks than most biological parents ever do. If every 16yo pushing a stroller around these days had to go through the process that we do I believe there would be a lot less children having children. Trust me, international adoption is not for the faint of heart and you'll find it's a most amazing group of loving people who are excited to share their lives with one born half way round the world.

Please use the air time you have to do good for these children rather than bad. These are precious, innocent babies who deserve a home and I am so thankful that one day I will have the privilege of calling one of these baby girls, ‘Daughter!’