Health
Chinese orphans have a reputation of being among the healthiest in the world. There are fewer problems with alcohol and other drugs in China than in many other parts of the world. I like the idea that the birth mother of our daughter very likely did not drink.
Gender
China is probably the only country where you can actually request a specific gender.
Certainty vs. Risk
Adoptions in the US always involve risks of the birth family creating problems for the adoptive family. In Chinese Adoptions, Once approved for adoption, they almost always go through. It may take longer, it may cost more money, but it will happen. I choose a closed adoption.
The need is so great
I have heard that there are somewhere between 30 and 60 couples in the US waiting to adopt each healthy Caucasian infant that becomes available. These US children will, without question, have the chance to be raised in loving homes. In other countries this is not the case. Thousands of perfectly healthy children will live their lives in orphanages which are only able to provide the minimal needs for these kids. If I am going to adopt, I would really rather help out a child that will not otherwise get help.
Note: This does NOT mean that I am some kind of saint whose mission is to help the unfortunate children of the world. I want a child. This is one way for my dream to come true. The fact that it also provides some help where help is badly needed is a plus, but it is not the REASON I am adopting from China. I feel I am the lucky one in this process. I get to have the family I want.
Respect
China has a unique and remarkable history. China was a civilized country long before European countries could be called civilized. The China of today is rich in interesting and varied cultures. I feel this is a background which I can easily help my daughter be proud of.
Support
There are many thousands of Chinese children who have been adopted into US families. The parents of these children are organized and offer newsletters, playgroups, camps, classes, and all kinds of special events. I feel it will be very helpful to my daughter’s self-esteem to know others with a similar background and to have opportunities to learn something about Chinese culture. This kind of support was a VERY big factor in my decision.
