parency are essential today, he points out. A ban would stigmatise those directly affected, say opponents. Adopted children would start thinking that they actually should not be in Switzerland. It would imply that adoptive parents are in the wrong. This is unfair and does not reflect reality. And the consequences for orphans and abandoned children would be devastating, they warn. The reform will have no impact as far as the Swiss Abroad are concerned. adopt children to do so abroad. Few were unduly worried by this. As one of the studies recounts: “It was like reproductive medicine today, in that it was socially acceptable back then to say that adoptive parents were entitled to have children, full stop.” Self-interest was conveniently hidden under the veneer of altruism. Responsibility now lies with the federal government and the cantons, says Ineichen. “They were the ones that tolerated and even facilitated this shabby trade for decades.” By not doing enough to protect children and their biological families from exploitation, an entire generation of adoptees now have to suffer the consequences. “We expect an apology for the wrong that was done to us as well as targeted support to help us uncover our past.” DNA tests in the countries of origin to help uncover falsified adoption papers are one example of what can be done. Gaps in information It is heart-wrenching to discover that there are gaps in information or parts of your story that are actually downright lies, says Andrea Abraham. People have to live with this incomplete biography. It affects their sense of identity and belonging. “There are still thousands of adults in Switzerland who have unanswered questions.” The Federal Council wants to ban international adoption. “It is the only way to fully prevent abuses of the system,” Justice Minister Beat Jans argues. Monitoring what happens in the countries of origin is extremely difficult and time-consuming. The Hague Adoption Convention, which came into force in Switzerland in 2003, is an example of the significant progress that has already been made, but there are limits to its scope, he adds. The Federal Council intends to flesh out its plans by the end of 2026. A ban could come into force by 2030 at the earliest. Among those directly affected some are vehemently opposed to the government’s plan. “Without international adoption, I probably would never have grown up in a loving family,” says EVP National Councillor Nik Gugger, who was adopted from India as a young boy. Within a month, he collected over 10,000 signatures for a petition to prevent a blanket ban. Nik Gugger is fighting against tight restrictions. Born in India and adopted by Swiss parents, he talks about his luck: thanks to this adoption, he was “able to grow up in a loving family”. Photo: Keystone Gugger believes that the Hague Convention already has effective safeguards in place – but that a high bar should also be set for countries of origin, with professional support provided in Switzerland. “The practices of yesteryear are no longer possible,” says Centre Party National Councillor Stefan Müller-Altermatt, who is the adoptive father of a boy from Armenia. Full documentation and trans- “They can continue to adopt children in accordance with the laws of their country of residence,” says Joëlle Schickel-Küng from the Federal Office of Justice. Foreign adoptions will, in principle, be recognised in Switzerland if they take place in the country where the adoptive parents live. Swiss Review / October 2025 / No.4 15
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