Is it possible for a single woman to adopt internationally?

Question

As a single woman, would it be possible for me to adopt without a spouse? If it still is possible, would being single significantly hurt my chances?

Answer 1

It is possible to adopt internationally as a single woman. Some countries do not allow it (currently China, Korea, Ukraine are some), but many do. It probably does hurt your chances somewhat, but certainly not insurmountably.

Here's a table of a lot of countries and their requirements for adoption:

http://www.whfc.org/adoption/default.htm

(note that I'm not advocating this agency -- I know nothing about them, and though their page does not initially leap out as horribly unethical, you would certainly want to check them out very thoroughly -- but they have a nice clear chart)

(Also note that Guatemalan adoptions are "on hold." There is a good reason for this -- many Guatemalan adoptions have been very unethical. Avoid Guatemala!)

If you are in the USA, I believe that almost all or all jurisdictions allow single women to adopt from foster care as well. That is an option well worth considering. Cheaper, too!

Here's a link to another question about international adoption by single women as well as foster adoption:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Answer 2

being single might be negative cuz they want  a mother and father, you know, 2 parents to look out for the child.  but it is possible to adopt internationally..... a lot of famous people did it, like angelina joli and brad pitt adopted like 4 kids from different countries together

Answer 3

Yes, a single woman can adopt internationally in some countries.  Unless you are a celebrity with a million dollars on hand to buy off officials, you will need to do some research.

I have a single friend who adopted her daughter from Central America.  Her daughter was developmentally delayed and had a poor outlook in her country of origin.  The child (AND her mother) have flourished over the past 10 years.

Good luck!

Answer 4

As the other poster stated, we've heard of many celebrities that have done it.  If you are serious about it, I would start investigating options.  Get in touch with some adoption agencies and find out what the specific rules and regulations are.  Something else to consider.  There are a lot of different international organizations around the world handling the needs of orphans.  And each country has its own unique set of rules.  If you meet a road block in one place, keep looking.  I'm sure there is a child out there in need of a caring parent.  So long as you are prepared emotionally and financially to take on that ultra important responsibility...go do it.

Answer 5

Yes you can.  I suggest that you contact Noodles on this one.  I think she is the only single adoptive mother that we have on this forum.  I can direct you to ethical ways to adopt but she would be the best one to speak.

Answer 6

Angelina Jolie did it, several times.  Meg Ryan also did that.

Answer 7

It is possible, but being single will definitely make it much more difficult.

Answer 8

If you have enough money, anything is possible.

UNICEF, the children's charity's position on IA:

http://www.unicef.org/media/media_41918....