New law bans Russian adoptions

FISHERS, Ind. (WISH/AP) - Dozens of Hoosier families hoping to adopt a child from Russia have been left in limbo, after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law Friday banning Americans from adopting Russian children.

The move abruptly terminates the prospects for more than 50 youngsters preparing to join new families, and sparked critics to liken Putin to King Herod. It is part of a harsh response to a U.S. law targeting Russians deemed to be human rights violators. Although some top Russian officials including the foreign minister openly opposed the bill, Putin signed it less than 24 hours after receiving it from Parliament, where it passed both houses overwhelmingly.

Children's rights ombudsman Pavel Astakhov said 52 children who were in the pipeline for U.S. adoption would remain in Russia.

The ban is in response to a measure signed into law by President Barack Obama this month that calls for sanctions against Russians assessed to be human rights violators. It stems from the case of Sergei Magnitsky, a Russian lawyer who was arrested after accusing officials of a $230 million tax fraud. He was repeatedly denied medical treatment and died in jail in 2009. Russian rights groups claimed he was severely beaten.

The adoption ban also angered both Americans and Russians who argue it victimizes children to make a political point, cutting off a route out of frequently dismal orphanages for thousands.

Alec Harris, 6, of Fishers, used to be one of them.

Wearing an IU basketball shirt, new basketball shoes, and a wide grin, you'd never know he grew up in a crumbling Russian orphanage near the Arctic Circle.

It’s where mom Susan and dad Brent fell instantly in love with him.

"I knew he was it,” Susan said, Alec’s head resting on her arm. “He just walked into my arms and put his head on my shoulder, and I wrapped my arms around him and I knew he was the one.”

Their adoption process started immediately, and 6 months later, Alec was in his new home.

The Harris family was complete.

"It's all part of how he came to be a member of our family, but we go through every day just like everybody else does now,” Brent said.

But—52 other families—including at least one in Indiana—who were just days away from adopting Russian children are now facing a nightmare.

They've already made trips to Russia. Many have spent their life savings. Their “would be” Russian children already call them mom and dad.

“Those are the ones that are really in the worst position,” said adoption coordinator Michele Jackson, Executive Director of Indianapolis based MLJ Adoptions. “Russia has indicated that they are not going to grandfather anyone in, and they are going to do a strict ban on this. Russia has historically been reactionary with international adoption. And, so, we thought it was a reality that this was going to happen.”

Russian lawmakers said the ban will prevent Russian children from being hurt or killed by Americans. But, experts say just 19 of the 60,000 Russians adopted here since 1992 have died while in their family's care.   

“It's awful. We have seen international adoption being politicized many times before. So, we just hate to see it again,” Jackson said.

For the Harris family, it's a personal and heartbreaking tug of war, where innocent lives hang in the balance.
    
"We fell in love in with Alec right away, and I can't imagine my life without him. For [other families to go lose] that opportunity, both sides lose. There's no winner, really. The children are stuck in a cycle that is difficult to break, and the families likewise who are also waiting are now stuck,” Susan said.

The ban also increases worry over conditions in Russia’s already crowded orphanages, said Greenwood based Boaz Project Director April Jurgensen.

“The biggest concern I have is for special needs children. There are many cultural differences there, and this was a system created under Stalin. It hasn’t changed all that much since then. I’ve heard those children in Russia called ‘society’s refuse.’ It’s just heartbreaking,” Jurgensen said.

Asked if the ban might eventually be rolled back, Jurgensen said she was optimistic.

“I anticipate it could change. I think there will be a lot of political backlash over this,” she said.

“You have to have hope,” agreed Susan Harris. “Hope brought us Alec.”

Russia’s adoption ban is set to take effect on Jan. 1.