[drworm]

Hi all

DH and I are contemplating adopting a second child from China (child #1 is from Guatemala). I took a look at the new regulations that went into effect May 1, and apparently medical treatment for mental illness is an automatic disqualification for prospective parents. Has anyone had any experience with dealing with this particular issue? I have been on Prozac for a number of years for anxiety, but I've never been hospitalized, and in fact just renew my Rx once a year with my GP. It's not a big deal--is there some way that I can communicate this in my dossier? Or should I just not mention it (if that is legal and/or even possible)?

When we adopted from Guatemala two years ago we had to have physical exams that certified we were in sound physical and mental health, but there were no specific medical questions that we had to answer. If we adopt from China, will we need specific certification that we are not being treated for mental illness?

Thanks everyone
pam

[ElectricGypsy]

My understanding of the new guidelines is that there would be a problem with taking medication to treat depression/anxiety on a regular basis. Some things may have changed to follow the new guidelines more specifically (questions on medical reports etc), so you should probably talk to an agency about your questions. Either way, I would be honest and definitely mention it. The last thing you would want is to not disclose all of the information then have it found out somewhere later along the line. If that happens, you may get bumped and lose all of the money and time that you would have invested up to that point.

[PiperH]

Our agency did ask for a list of current medication being taken.

[lovemybulldog]

Unfortunately, there are so many things that we know aren't a big deal, but China sees from a different angle. We all went through the "it's not a big deal" fight several months ago when the rule change was announced, but to no avail. I personally take anti-seizure meds every day, but we weren't (still kinda aren't) sure how the rule change regarding health would translate my condition. Because we were LID before May 1, we're OK, but I have no idea at this point if we would qualify for adoption #2.

Definitely talk to your agency.

[ttcasey]

We were logged in way before the May 1st changes, but our agency and SW did ask for a complete medical exam, including any medications we were taking on a daily basis.

[jkovick]

Friends who have been contemplating adoption have this same issue. The wife has taken Prozac for a while. The 3 agencies they have spoken with all told her that they would be ineligible for the China program.

[MissyAmomChina]

Hi,

Unless your dossier was sent to China prior to May 1rst, 2007, I'd call your agency immediately. I believe that the new rules would make you inelligible.

Unfortunately, there isn't much "wiggle room" with the new rules. In essence, they have been put in place to reduce the number of applicants. I am legally blind in my left eye. On a daily basis, it has no impact on me (I can drive, work a regular job etc) nor does it affect my appearance. The only restrictions I have is that I could never be a pilot. Anyway, my Chinese agency inquired if this would make me inelligible as there is a statement about monocular blindness in the new rules. China was not flexible and we were no longer elligible.

So, I hope your experience is different---but I'd call your agency immediately and find out.

[Arador]

Yep they are being very strict, we feel for you. We don't have a medical condition for our ineligibility, but they are leaving no wiggle room.

DH had previous marriage that was annulled soon after it happened over 8 years ago. Here in the US annulled means the marriage never existed. Per the CCAA its the same as a divorce. We have only just passed our 4 year anniversary. As of May 1st you have to be married 5 years if either has had a previous marriage. We were on our way to getting DTC/LID prior to May 1, but the FBI messed up our fingerprints.

So we now wait and also looking at other options.....

[drworm]

Thank you everyone for your input...and for those of you who got stuck partway into the process, I am very sorry. We haven't submitted any paperwork yet, and although we plan to start soon right now we are still at the information-gathering stage. I didn't realize that China was actually trying to cut down on the number of international adoptions--why is this?

Best to all
pam

[MissyAmomChina]

Hi Pam,

In a nutshell, for a significant amount of time the number of dossier received has exceeded the number of children the Chinese government is willing to place in the international adoption program. Subsequently there is a huge backlog of dossiers and the wait has dramatically increased. The new rules are in place to reduce the number of dossiers submitted and from the looks of things it will do just that.

[Marshie]

Dr Worm...had to say Good morning, how are you? You don't by any chance like to play the drums do you?