House of Representatives Votes to Abolish Intercountry Adoption in the Netherlands

The House of Representatives wants to abolish the adoption of children from abroad in the Netherlands. Against the wishes of the outgoing Minister Weerwind, the House accepted a motion from the SP asking the cabinet to come up with a plan “whereby intercountry adoptions are carried out carefully”. . In addition to the SP, the movement was also supported by PVV, VVD, BBB, Christian Union, Party for the Animals, FvD and JA21.

Intercountry adoption has been talked about for years and the possibility was available in 2021 shut down after a damning report of abuse. Then done Minister Weerwind eight countries are still eligible: the Philippines, Hungary, Lesotho, Taiwan, Thailand, South Africa, Bulgaria and Portugal.

The Chamber said today that it is “not logical and not wise” to work now on a new system with a new foundation to be established, “where it is not clear exactly what the future holds for the option international”.

MP SP Van Nispen said that over the years he has come to believe that adoption from abroad is not a sustainable solution for the protection of children in the long term. According to him, moving children is not always in their interest and it is healthier for them to grow up in their own area.

He also highlighted past abuses, such as fraud and theft and child trafficking. Van Nispen emphasized that many adoptions have gone well, but according to him, abuses cannot be eliminated even in a new system. The SP member confirmed that a new plan from the minister for precautionary removals “will not be arranged next week”.

When the motion was tabled last week, Weerwind advised against it. He said that the eight countries were carefully selected, that the Dutch system is “led by children”, that many safeguards have been built in and that adoption should not be stopped.

Now that the motion has been accepted, the Weerwinds ministry said in response that they would now explain the consequences and opportunities.