Utah’s adoption industry is facing scrutiny. Here’s what to know about ‘adoption tourism.’
Birth mothers and adoptive families are traveling to Utah to finalize adoptions under some of the least restrictive adoption laws in the country.
“It’s a situation that’s inspired national and international headlines labeling Utah as a “‘human marketplace’ for adopted babies” with a “devastating cost.”
Last year, Rep. Katy Hall, R-South Ogden, decided it was time to strengthen Utah’s adoption laws. She’s proposed a slew of reforms that lawmakers are expected to debate during the latest legislative session, and the bill has early support from both adoption agencies and reform advocates….”
In Utah, private domestic adoptions can be relatively expensive, costing adoptive parents anywhere from $20,000 to just under $90,000, according to Utah Adoption Rights, a nonprofit that works to empower expectant women to make informed choices.
The average starting price at Utah agencies that the group said engage in adoption tourism is about $50,000.
“Utah is considered an “adoption-friendly” state not because it’s cheaper but because here, it’s friendly and easy for adoptive parents and adoption professionals to get the job done quicker and easier,
It is a pay-to-play system.”
