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Klobuchar Calls on State Department to Keep Russian Adoptions Open

Seeks reform in international adoption process

April 15, 2010

Washington, D.C. – In a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today urged the U.S. State Department to work closely with the Russian government to prevent the suspension of Russia’s U.S. adoption program.  In her letter, Klobuchar highlighted the disturbing news surrounding the adoption case of a Russian child Artyom Savelyev who had been returned to Russia by his adoptive mother. Earlier today, several news outlets reported that Russian officials announced a suspension of all adoptions, however the U.S. Embassy in Moscow and the Russian Embassy in Washington have stated that adoptions are still being processed.

Klobuchar also pushed for more adoption support services for American parents involved with international adoptions. 

Last month, Klobuchar introduced legislation to streamline and simplify the international adoption process for American families.  The Adoption Fairness Act will ensure that all international adoptees receive their certificate of U.S. citizenship in a timely manner at no cost to the adoptive family.

Klobuchar was also actively involved in helping Minnesota families with pending adoptions in Haiti following the devastating earthquake that struck the island on January 12, 2010. Minnesota has one of the highest international adoption rates of any state.     

The text of the letter is below:

April 15, 2010

The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton                                 
Secretary                                                                     
United States Department of State                              
2201 C Street NW                                                       
Washington, DC 20520

Dear Secretary Clinton:

I write regarding the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Russian adoptions by U.S. families sparked by the distressing case of a Russian child Artyom Savelyev, adoptive son of American mother Torry Ann Hansen. 

            The situation involving Ms. Hansen and her adoptive son has highlighted certain problems related to the institution of international adoption.  I understand the concerns of the Russian government and appreciate the State Department’s speedy response in addressing the case; nevertheless, I strongly believe that adoptions between our two nations must continue.  This isolated event should not jeopardize the ability of hundreds of loving and responsible American families, including several of my constituents, to welcome Russian orphans into their homes.  I understand that a delegation of high-level State Department officials is consulting with their Russian counterparts on this issue.  I support this action, and also respectfully request that you engage personally to urge the Russian government to re-open its U.S. adoption program.  In particular, I ask you to take all appropriate actions to guarantee the completion of those adoptions that are already in progress.

As we move forward, I also believe it is important to take clear steps to reform and improve our international adoption process.  The primary shortcoming exposed by the Hansen case is the insufficient level of adoption education and support for American adoptive parents.  In Congress, I intend to work with my colleagues to address this issue; I welcome the support and involvement of the State Department in this matter.

I want to thank you for your continued support of international adoption efforts in Russia, Haiti and other countries around the world.  I look forward to working with you both to ensure the continuation of Russian adoptions and to strengthen our international adoption system.

Sincerely,

                                                                     
                                                                        Amy Klobuchar
                                                                        United States Senator
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