Switzerland to Ban International Adoptions Amid Abuse Concerns

Switzerland has announced plans to ban international adoptions following concerns over potential abuses in the practice. The government cited findings from an independent group of experts, which concluded that even well-designed adoption laws cannot fully prevent exploitation. The decision, aimed at protecting vulnerable children, was based on the experts’ report and past irregularities in international adoptions. The number of international adoptions in Switzerland has significantly dropped from several hundred to just 30 per year. A proposal for the ban, along with potential exceptions for intrafamily adoptions, is expected to be drawn up by the end of 2025 for public consultation.