Russia Bans Adoptions

Russia Bans Intercountry Adoption with the United States.

At the close of 2012 (12/28) President Putin of Russia signed into law a ban on Russian adoptions to US citizens. Throughout the years International Family Services has helped unite over 2000 Russian-born children with American parents. There were no IFS families under contract for Russian adoptions at the time of this ruling.

IFS Founders Bob and Carol Mardock, parents to three Russian-adopted children, stated, “As adoption advocates and observers of adoption trends through the years our hearts go out to the many families who are now impacted by Russia’s ‘politics of adoption.’ This is a sad moment for them and for the many orphaned children in Russia who’s chances for a mother and father are now greatly diminished. Through the years we have gained wonderful relationships with many Russian citizens who, like us, are bewildered by this decision that has such an adverse effect on the helpless.”

Executive Director, Carol Mardock went on to say, “At IFS we saw the potential of this happening and feel fortunate that we correctly scaled back our Russia adoption program over the past months and have been referring hopeful families to other adoption opportunities.”

International Family Services echoes the following statement from The National Council for Adoption:

December 28, 2012 – Alexandria, VA – Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into law the controversial ban on intercountry adoption with the United States on Friday, December 28, 2012.

“Russia’s decision to ban intercountry adoption with the United States and deny children an opportunity of a loving family is most certainly a great tragedy, but it is just one example of a greater tragedy lived out daily by millions upon millions of orphans worldwide who are victims of war, famine, disease, and political systems that deny them a voice” says Chuck Johnson, President and CEO of National Council For Adoption.

Orphans want and need families. National Council For Adoption and orphan advocates from around the world will renew our efforts and continue to be their voice until their right to be loved, protected, and secure in a family is realized.