A Russian child adopted by Americans before the “scoundrels' law” was passed leaves with their parents for the United States.
Description
American citizen Kendra Scaggs and her husband adopted a five-year-old girl, Polina Joy Scaggs, through a Russian court on December 24. Under Russian law, a one-month “quiet period” followed the adoption, during which the court’s decision could still be reversed. Soon afterward, however, a new law was passed that, in the view of many, could annul adoption rulings that had not yet been fully finalized. Under this law, adopted children in some cases were to remain in Russia, even if a court had already issued a favorable decision. Polina Joy Scaggs, however, was able to leave for the United States, as her case had been approved before the legal changes came into effect. The law interfered in personal destinies, creating uncertainty and distress for parents and children alike.
Authors
- Zosya Rodkevich
- Maxim Pakhomov