Apparently there has been a raid into an adoption home in Guatemala against a couple there. The American man and his Guatemalan wife have brought interest on themselves for all the foreigners seen leaving with babies.
First of all, I have no idea if this story is true. I am not one to just bite the hook and take the whole thing, hook, line and sinker. I am sure there is truth in the media's story, but how much is not accurate?
Of course it places, once again, a black cloud over adoption. I am totally with upfront and honest adoptions. I hate to even think about some of the more shady deals that do happen. I think about the birth parents, including my own, that was tricked or promised things that ended up not coming to be. I am not speaking of financial gains either just promises about placement.
I witnessed some shady dealings during my sons' adoption. I refused to play the game and tried to be as respectful as I could be without putting my personal beliefs in jeopardy. My husband, for lack of a better phrase, was much more forceful and vocal about some issues that came up. We wanted children with every fiber of our being, but at what cost? Could I do something that was underhanded or went against my beliefs? I don't know. I truly don't know how to answer that. I know I faced it once and informed the "Powers that Be" that I couldn't play with children's lives like that. I saw the "Bait and Switch" game happen in front of my eyes and I was truly saddened by it. I am not saying this happens everywhere, it was just my personal experience. I felt like I was gambling a lot during our first adoption. I know there are so many families that have no idea what happens behind the scenes in the adoption world. We hope and try to have faith that things are being taking care of in an honest and respectful way, but most of the time we are kept in the dark about such matters. Sure, I am certain there are a few that know exactly what may be going on and just want a baby no matter what; however, I don't believe that is the norm for most families.
I guess my thoughts are with the parents that adopted from this couple and their children. I cannot imagine the inner turmoil they must be going through right now. I also think about the possible birthfamilies that may not have had any choices or knowledge of what was going on. It is stirring a big pot to think about this because of course, all Guatemalan adoptions will be put in the limelight again.
It is just sad when an event like this can cause a rippling effect and so many others have to suffer because of it.
