Guatemala adoptions explode, criticized 25 Oct 03

(26 Oct 03) Guatemala is now the number one supplier per capita of adoptive children to the United States, and third in total numbers behind China and Russia. People have been adopting Guatemala children for years, but recently the numbers have grown to the point of drawing international attention. Last year there were nearly 3000 adoptions compared to 512 a decade earlier. The adoption scene has become big business for lawyers and facilitators. US families spend $20,000-$30,000 to adopt a baby. In a country plagued with corruption and a failing economy, not all those involved in the adoption process are Good Samaritans. Reports of baby snatching and buying babies from poor mothers are commonplace. Police have raided numerous illegal "nurseries" housing dozens of babies awaiting adoption.

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