Why are children available from Ethiopia?

In a previous entry, Anna answered the question, “Why Ethiopia?” Another logical question is, “Why are children available for adoption from Ethiopia?” Most Ethiopian children awaiting adoption have been orphaned due to poverty or illness. While HIV/AIDS is a major contributor, it is not the only disease that takes the lives of Ethiopians. Malaria, typhoid, parasites, pneumonia, and malnutrition all contribute to the death rate of adults and children. While most of these health concerns are preventable or curable by Western medical standards, the same care is not always available to many Ethiopians.

We learned at our pre-adoption class that children are highly valued in Ethiopian culture. Rather than tending to their own needs, parents will first make sure that their children have been fed even if that means there is little or nothing left for them. The lack of nourishment or other personal care can make the adults more susceptible to illness and disease and can lead to their deaths. Another contributor to the number of orphans is the high maternal mortality rate in Ethiopia. One in fourteen women dies in childbirth compared to one in 2,800 in the rest of the world. Life expectancy for males is 39 years and 42 years for females.

We are saddened that many Ethiopian children can not be raised by their birth parents, but we are excited to provide a loving home to the child God has planned for us.

Thanks for reading,
Grant