Switzerland’s government announced Wednesday that it plans to ban international adoptions, citing past abuses in the practice. Based on findings by an independent group of experts, the government concluded that even the strictest adoption laws cannot fully prevent misconduct. Officials believe a ban is the best way to safeguard the individuals that have been and will be affected-the children.
It will present a proposal by the end of next year to be put out for public consultation. Authorities said some serious irregularities had happened in the previous international adoptions and that the number of cases has declined significantly-from hundreds annually to around 30.
This law will ensure that Switzerland considers any potential exceptions, specifically intrafamily adoptions, where children are adopted by a step-parent or a close family member. The move therefore shows that the country cares for ethical conducts in the adoption process to discourage exploitation.