Ethiopia Has Banned Foreign Adoption

The Ethiopian government has passed legislation, prohibiting foreigners from adopting Ethiopian children.

Lawmakers cited potential neglect and abuse abroad as the reason for their decision, adding that orphaned children should be cared for and assisted locally instead. While some members of parliament believe the country lacks sufficient resources to care for its orphaned population at home.

The debate over whether foreign adoption should be allowed, has stirred up controversy in the nation, beginning mostly in 2013, when a 13-year-old Ethiopian child was found dead in the US, leading to the conviction of her adopted parents.

Ethiopian children account for about 20% of those adopted internationally by people in the US, reports BBC Africa. Angela Jolie famously adopted daughter, Zahara from Ethiopia in 2005.

So far, the news has garnered mixed responses from people on social media, with some supporting the government's deciton, and others doubting its ability to provide adequate protection for the country's orphans.