Arrest of Americans Deepens Haiti Adoption Debate

NEW YORK (AP) — Some groups are urging a long pause on new adoptions from Haiti following the arrest of 10 Americans for trying to take children out of the devastated country without permission.

And the incident is intensifying an already bitter debate over international adoption.

The pause proponents say there is too much chaos and too high a risk of mistakes or child trafficking. Other groups fear any long-term clampdown will hurt future adoption efforts.

Chuck Johnson, chief operating officer of the National Council for Adoption, calls the Baptist group's actions a "critical mistake" that could undercut efforts to expand adoptions.

SOS Children's Villages, which is caring for the 33 Haitian children targeted by the arrested Americans, said international adoptions should be avoided until every effort at family reunions are made.

The Americans remain in custody while Haitian and U.S officials discuss their fate.