Concern over child trafficking and fraud in collaboration countries has led several political parties in Denmark to question the future of international adoption. A confidential report from the Danish Agency for Family Affairs reveals troubling conditions in Thailand, the Philippines, Taiwan, and the Czech Republic.
Since January 2024, Denmark has paused all international adoptions, raising uncertainties for childless Danes hoping to adopt. According to the report, serious issues include suspicions of document forgery in the Philippines, and concerns about economic exploitation in adoptions from Thailand.
Camilla Fabricius, the social policy spokesperson for the Social Democrats, expressed skepticism about resuming international adoptions. “It looks undeniably difficult,” she stated, emphasizing that such processes should only occur if they serve the best interests of children and are conducted safely. “Right now, that seems challenging.”
The Role of the Danish Agency for Family Affairs
The Danish Agency for Family Affairs now facilitates international adoptions after the closure of the Danish International Adoption (DIA) agency in October. The agency is exploring options to take over existing collaborations with countries including Thailand, Taiwan, the Philippines, India and the Czech Republic.
While the Social Democrats are part of a coalition that previously supported reopening international adoptions, concerns about establishing a reliable system have intensified. Social Minister Sophie Hæstorp Andersen commits to developing a new approach to international adoption and plans to discuss it with other parties when she has a proposal ready.
Ongoing political discussions
The Liberal Party continues to advocate for the establishment of secure parameters for international adoption. Social spokesperson Christian Friis Bach commented, “We still believe we can create safe frameworks for international adoption in Denmark.”
In contrast, the political party Enhedslisten views ongoing discussions about finding a solution as futile. Spokesperson Victoria Velásquez stated that searching for a viable framework appears nearly impossible given the troubling conditions. Meanwhile, the Danish Democrats emphasize the need for a clear plan from the minister before resuming international adoptions.
The number of international adoptions to Denmark has steadily decreased over the last few decades. In 2023, the now-closed DIA facilitated only 17 adoptions from abroad, mostly from South Africa, with four coming from Thailand and two from Taiwan.
Expert opinions
Caroline Adolphsen, a professor in welfare law at Aarhus University, has closely monitored developments in the adoption sector. She underscores that the Agency for Family Affairs’ report clearly communicates serious concerns. “They highlight issues like document forgery, economic transactions, and the inability to secure the legal rights of women. Given these concerns, we currently lack a reliable system for adoption,” she stated.
As the political debate continues, multiple parties are reconsidering whether to abandon the idea of international adoption altogether. Liberal Alliance spokesperson Katrine Daugaard stated, “It is not a right to purchase a child, but it is a right for a child not to be trafficked. As it stands today, we cannot guarantee that.”
Similarly, Alternative party spokesperson Torsten Gejl voiced his growing conviction that lawmakers should abandon the idea of resuming international adoption. “Hearing the concerns from the Agency for Family Affairs and experts about international adoption, I am increasingly convinced that we should stop altogether,” he declared.
Source: DR
