Medical Issues in Adoption

For many families, adoption can be an extremely rewarding experience. But when it comes to the health and medical care of an adopted child, there are some unique issues and concerns that you may want to keep in mind before, during, and after the adoption is complete.

Gathering Information Before You Adopt

If you have an open or semi-open adoption - one in which you meet the mother and sometimes the father - you should be able to get substantial health information. In an open adoption, you may help arrange the birth mother's prenatal care, go with her to doctor visits, and be present for the birth. You can also request health records through the agency or attorney who is arranging the adoption.

With an older child who is already living in the United States, you may be able to get a sense of the child's general health by spending time with him or her before the adoption takes place or by serving as a foster parent beforehand. Before you adopt, it's a good idea to have as much medical information as possible, including:

• age, ethnic background, education, occupation, height, weight, and medical conditions of the birth parents
• diseases or medical conditions that run in the child's family
• the health of the adopted child's siblings
• information about whether the birth mother drank alcohol, smoked, or used drugs during pregnancy
• information about whether the birth mother used any prescription or over-the-counter medications during pregnancy
• an indication of whether the birth mother had any that might affect the child's health
• the birth mother's prenatal care
• results of any tests done during pregnancy
• any problems during pregnancy, labor, or delivery
• the child's weight, length, and head circumference measurements at and since birth
• any medical problems the child has had
• the results of any medical tests the child has had
• the child's development in relation to standard age milestones, such as sitting up, walking, or talking
• a description of personality and relationships with others
• information about the child's care since birth
• any physical, sexual, or emotional abuse of the child

If you adopt through an agency, you may be able to choose the age of the child you want to adopt and what medical conditions you might be willing to accept. Discussing these questions can help you and your partner clarify your feelings and priorities.

With international adoptions, you are likely to get a picture and perhaps a short video of the child, but reliable, complete health and family information may not be available. If you can afford it, and if it is feasible, it may be worth making a trip to meet the child before deciding to adopt. You can find out about different restrictions that different countries may have on this from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse, an agency run by the U.S. government. (See additional resources page.)

Interpreting Information

Once you have gathered whatever information is available about the child you are interested in adopting, your adoption agency, if you have one, may be able to help you evaluate whether, given any medical issues, this child and these circumstances would make a good fit for you.