China bans overseas adoption of children

In 2024, China officially banned overseas adoption of Chinese children, ending a decades-long program that had allowed foreign families to adopt from the country. The decision was announced by Chinese authorities, who stated that China would no longer send children abroad for adoption, except in rare cases involving close relatives such as stepchildren or kinship adoptions. The move reflects major social and demographic changes within China, including improved living standards, expanded domestic adoption options, and stronger child-welfare systems. China was once the world’s largest source of internationally adopted children, particularly in the 1990s and early 2000s, when thousands of children—mostly girls—were adopted overseas. Officials said the ban aligns with international principles that prioritize domestic care solutions over international adoption. The decision also fits China’s broader policy shift toward strengthening family-based care within the country. While the move disappointed many prospective foreign adoptive parents, authorities emphasized that protecting children’s rights and welfare within China remains the top priority.