HAZLETON - U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-11, called on President Barack Obama to help would-be adoptive parents whose hopes for a family were shattered when Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law that prevents Russian babies from being adopted by American families.
"Prospective mothers and fathers in Northeastern Pennsylvania have been waiting to hear the good news that Russian babies are going to make their families complete. They are patiently working through this complex process and they are just steps away from realizing their hopes and dreams. Instead, these prospective mothers and fathers and Russian orphans are now pawns in a diplomatic game. It's incredibly frustrating and sad, and I ask President Obama and the State Department to find a solution as quickly as possible," Barletta said. "Children need good, loving, stable homes. These folks are willing to open their hearts and homes to Russian infants, and they should be allowed to do so, especially since they are so far along in the process. To stop the adoption process now is unnecessarily cruel and incredibly painful."
Barletta's district office is currently helping two area families (out of less than 50 nationwide) navigate the process of adopting Russian babies. Barletta's office reached out to these families to express support and optimism that a solution can be reached quickly.
Friday evening, Barletta sent a letter to Obama asking that the administration intervene.
"I respectfully request your administration do everything in your power to stand up for these Americans who wish to adopt Russian children and give them the greatest gift they can receive - a loving family," Barletta wrote.