[tiniree]

My husbnad and I are the parents of two wonderful boys ages 8 & 12. We are just past our 40's and do not want to go thru another pregnancy.

We would love to add a girl to our family. I have been reading everything I can and have a question about the home study?

Two years ago my husband, out of the blue, had a mild heart attack. Since that time his health has completely turned around. We both quit smoking that day and have been exercising regularly. His doctor said he's in better shape now than before.

Before we get all excited about starting this journey....would his past medical problem deter us from qualifying???? We want to adopt a foster child between the ages of 1-7.

tiniree

[tweetybirdus]

I don't think it will keep you from adopting. Just be open and honest about it to your social worker. They just may require additional med records and possibly a letter from his doctor that states how healthy he is now compared to when he had the heart attack.

Good Luck in your journey.

Kat

[mhart_sf]

my husband out of the blue had to have mitral valve repair done as we were adopting our little boy from guatemala, we adopted no problem.

As long as your doctor says he is healthy enough to parent a child you should be good to go!

Husband and now almost 3 year old doing great! We are now looking at #2.

Good luck and you will do it!

[lively2c]

Though there are some countries that have requirements about the medical background of adopting parents, you and your husband should have no trouble adopting through U.S. foster care. Good luck!

-Sara Lively
Independent Adoption Consultant

[mg1970]

Get your husband to ask his doctor if he would be willing to write a letter that states that he has "a normal life expectancy" and that he is "not taking any medicines or undergoing any treatments that would make him unable to parent". A letter from his heart specialist would be ideal, but a letter from his primary care may be sufficient.

I would also be upfront and ask any potential social worker that you are considering to do your home study if she/he has any concerns about this. You want to know their biases up front so you can make sure this will not be a reason for denial or to make sure it won't be over-emphasised in your home study.

If you are considering international adoption you may find that some other countries are less forgiving about some health concerns due to the state of healthcare in their country. This should be a consideration as you are deciding which adoption route to take.

M