An independent voice for ethical adoption
Recent Changes in Guatemala
Update: 03/17/03
Agencies and families report slowdowns and conflicting information regarding adoptions from Guatemala. However, it appears that no actual changes to the adoption process in Guatemala have been instituted as of this time. A meeting was held on March 11th with the attorneys and spokespersons from the PGN. While the possibility of new procedures was discussed, no changes were announced.
March 6, 2003
In recent days, several events have occurred in Guatemala which may impact intercountry adoptions. On November 26, 2002 Guatemala acceded to the Hague Convention, and the Convention entered into force in Guatemala on March 1, 2003.
The United States signed the Hague Treaty in 1994, but has not yet ratified or implemented it. Therefore, the fact that The Hague is now in effect in Guatemala does not directly affect adoptions for US Citizens.
What remains unclear is how the Hague accession will affect the internal process in Guatemala–which in turn could affect adoptions by US families. The current system in Guatemala very likely does not meet Hague standards. Therefore, legislation which changes the adoption process will have to be adopted. Such legislation could lead to a temporary stoppage of adoptions from Guatemala.
It is our understanding that the Guatemala Congress is considering many different proposals for such legislation and that no legislation has yet been decided upon. The process of adopting legislation could take months or years, or it could happen very soon. Until legislation is decided upon, it is impossible to predict what impact it could have on adoptions from Guatemala.
Families who wish to adopt, but have not yet formally applied to Guatemala, are encouraged to carefully follow the current events so that they may make informed decisions. For more information on Guatemala, including Ethica’s position on adoptions from Guatemala, copies of proposed laws, and updates, please visit our Hot Spots in International Adoption page.
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