We are often
asked why we would not try adoption. We are not against adoption it is just
extremely hard.
The counselor we were
required to meet with before our IVF cycle told us IVF was more likely to be successful than adoption. This made me cry. After knowing the statistics for IVF cycles (in
WA low), adoption must be close to impossible.
We have started to look into the figures to ensure we had a good idea of the chances.
The ability to
adopt a child in Australia has become increasingly more difficult. Some statistics might show you how it is
getting harder.
In 1971 – 1972, in
Australia there were 9,798 children that were adopted locally and
internationally. Across the years the number of children have declined:
- 1991 – 1992,
there were 1,052 children
- 2005 – 2006 there
were 576 children
- 2008 – 2009 there
were 441 children
- 2012 – 2013 there
were 339 children
In SA, there are
3-4 young infants a year put up for adoption over the last few years. It is stated
that this is indicative of all states in Australia.
In 2008-2009, of
the 441 children, 68 children were local, 269 children from overseas, and the
other 104 are “known child adoption” that is adoption when a family member
adopts.
We are looking at
international adoption and it is 5-7 years before a child is able to be adopted
and brought home to Australia. There are so many couples wanting to adopt.
In Australia, for
every 1,000 children born, there are two children that are put up for adoption.
In the UK the ratio is 1000:7 and in America it is 1000:30.
There are obviously
different policies across those countries that impact the figures.
Nonetheless,
surrogacy or adoption it is difficult to finally be able to make a beautiful
little family.
Stay hopeful!
