Guatemala to resume international adoptions after 18-year suspension

Guatemala plans to resume international adoptions in January, ending an 18-year suspension. Authorities state the new process will be fully transparent to prevent the illegal practices and criminal exploitation that occurred in the past.

Estuardo Mejcano, director of the National Adoption Council (CNA), noted that adoption was previously a “gross business activity” that fueled criminal structures. The suspension was originally implemented due to irregularities including forced family separations, the existence of child “catalogs,” high fees, and a lack of oversight for minors.

Following a 2008 legal reform aligned with international law, officials believe these bad practices have been overcome. Previously, between 3,000 and 4,000 children were adopted annually, primarily by families from the United States, with costs reaching up to $25,000. The CNA expects to sign bilateral agreements with El Salvador in the coming months, with a future agreement with the United States planned thereafter.