BABY TRADE

As a parent adopting a Honduran child, I was distressed by your distorted portrayal of adopting from Honduras. First, not all individuals who adopt from Honduras are childless couples or couples who are otherwise ineligible for domestic adoptions. There are many individuals who have several birth children but are moved to adopt for humanitarian reasons. Many Honduran-born children face lives of malnutrition and related diseases, and many do not live past 5 years old.

Secondly, not all adoptions are conducted by shady attorneys searching the poor neighborhoods for an potential infant. There are many birth mothers who have lost children to starvation and are looking for a better chance for their other children. These women approach individuals, some religious leaders, they know might be able to find an American family for their children.

Any balanced presentation of adoption should not be limited to the Ugly American and the shyster attorney. This leaves out a whole group of individuals involved in adoption. It is also a terrible message to our adopted children and those who are involved in their lives in this country.

RENE SORRENTINO

Fullerton