Proposed Russian Adoption Ban

As many of you know, my wife and I are in the process of adopting two orphans from Russia. You may also have heard that the Russian Parliament voted - for a second time - to ban adoptions for American families. This ban is not yet law, but the vote does not bode well for Russian orphans.

What does this vote mean for us, for Ana and Tim, and for the many families now in the process of adoption? We simply don't know yet. It is certainly a call to prayer. This vote is the result of long-standing tensions between  Russia and the United States. Sadly, it is the orphans who will pay the heaviest price if the ban ever becomes law.

We know that our God holds the hearts of all men in His hands. He sits enthroned over every man and government. Please begin to pray that He will intervene on behalf of these children and remove this latest obstacle. Please pray also that God will grant peace and patience to every family affected by this vote.

Here is a helpful summary of the situation, as provided by our adoption agency:

This is a political move in direct retaliation to President Obama’s signing of the the Magnitsky Act on December 14.  The Magnitsky Act imposes U.S. travel and financial restrictions on human rights abusers in Russia ... a third reading of the ban is expected to occur on Friday.  After that, the Council of Federation plans to review it on December 26.  Finally, it goes to President Putin for signature.  He can approve it as written (which we don’t have a copy of).  He can refuse it outright.  He can send it back for revisions. 

This brings to the forefront the complaints from Russia that a total of 19 Russian children have died in the hands of adoptive American parents.  Russian has accused the US courts of imposing light sentences in these cases.  If this ban is signed in its current form, it will invalidate the bilateral treaty which the US and Russia have recently signed and implemented. 

Not all Russian officials agree with this.  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken a stand against the ban citing the welfare of the orphans who will be denied families.  We have no indication whether special needs adoptions will be considered different from regular adoptions. This is occurring within a week of the shut down for Russia’s holidays.  Government offices won’t start reopening until January 9, 2013 after the celebration of Orthodox Christmas.  Consequently, we don’t expect to have specific answers for some time.   

Once again, we want to stress that this is not law, and many within Russia are opposed to the ban. But we do ask that you would join us in prayer that this obstacle would be removed, and that God would take up the cause of these orphans.

If you would like more information on this issue, here is a helpful article:

Adequate or faulty? Russian lawmakers vote for US adoption ban amid criticism