Physician Involvement in Foreign Adoptions is Vital

10/20/2003

From: Catherine Schneider of the American Osteopathic Association, 800-621-1773 ext. 8039, 312-202-8039, cschneider@aoa-net.org

NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 20 -- At a time when patriotism prevails for many American citizens, parents aspiring to adopt are unexpectedly looking abroad. In 1989, the number of babies adopted by U.S. families from a foreign country was 8,102, this number has spiked to 20,099 in 2002, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

"As these numbers increase, primary care providers need to be more involved with the adoptive families in providing them with information prior to and during adoption," says Stanley Grogg, D.O., a professor of pediatrics at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences.

Dr. Grogg spoke about the medical issues involved in preparing for a foreign adoption this past week at the American Osteopathic Association's (AOA) Annual Convention and Scientific Seminar in New Orleans. The shortages of adoptable children in the U.S; family ties to specific foreign countries; and the uncertainties inherent in domestic adoptions are the most prevalent factors in foreign adoptions. Dr. Grogg notes that in the state of Oklahoma, a birth mother has the right to return to the adoptive family six months after the adoption is complete, and claim her child.

To adopt a foreign child is not inexpensive, including an agency fee of $10,000 to $30,000 along with filing, visa, and travel fees; yet potential parents are willing to pay to be safe from U.S. adoption laws says Dr. Grogg. However, he stresses that parents need guidance from a physician. A doctor should:

-- Review photos of the baby

-- Evaluate available medical history

-- Advise the families for preparing children to travel

-- Discuss precautions for evaluations of the adopted child after returning to the U.S.

Pictures of the adoptee allow a physician to assess any physical defects, such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or other congenital abnormalities, and inform the parents before the adoption. "Orphanages abroad seldom provide the familial history and extensive medical records, which increases the importance of physician participation," says Dr. Grogg.

Before going abroad, Dr. Grogg also suggests that the family update all immunizations and receive a physical. Depending upon the age of a child traveling with the parents, certain medical precautions apply. After returning, the adopted child should immediately see a physician for a complete physical.

A foreign adoption can bring a family the joy of knowing that they have made an incredible difference in a child's life, says Dr. Grogg. "Consulting a physician throughout the process will ensure your new family receives the best care."

The AOA represents approximately 52,000 D.O.s, promotes public health, encourages scientific research, serves as the primary certifying body for D.O.s, and is the accrediting agency for all osteopathic medical schools and health care facilities.