There is a family who recently travelled to China to adopt their 4 year old daughter. While getting her medicals in GZ, she tested positive for TB which is not contagious, and she has been treated for during the last two months. CDC is forcing the family to leave the child behind until the TB clears up, which I guess is six months. If their child was born in China, the CDC would allow her to enter the US. The sad thing this is a rule that was just enacted on July 1st and had the family travelled a month ago, this rule would not apply. So you know its messed up. I am not sure what is going to happen to the child, I think someone said on Rumor Queen website that the daughter, Harper (named after the author of "To Kill a Mockingbird") is going to stay with an American family living in GZ. This whole situation took the family unawares, and of course, this now could happen to any one who is adopting from China. Why the CDC is not allowing the non-contaigious child to travel - even by private plane - there are plenty of child organizations that could arrange for private transport, we have no idea. The State department, who can overturn this ruling, appears to be standing idly by, as well as the news media which is more preoccupied by a stupid bumpy ride on a plane for Demi and Aston than this situation. I didn't watch the farewell video, apparently it is too sad, but it is linked to the website of the parents. The International Adoption community is pretty upset by this, as well as should most Americans. Someone needs to send Bill Clinton to clean up this mess.
The family just updated their blog a few hours ago....
The Scruggs are home without Harper, but confirmed she is indeed with a family. They will be in touch with her daily. They are imploring people to sign the petition, contact news media and spread the word to family and friends. There is an organized effort to overturn this ruling. They have an interview with the Washington Post tomorrow. Please click on the links below.
The family's name is Scruggs. I still can't believe this isn't a "story" with the news media.
http://jayscruggs.livejournal.com
(be sure to check the date for the latest update)
Discussion:
http://chinaadopttalk.com
A petition to sign.
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/build-families-not-barriers.html