A Red Thread: Chinese Adoption Stories

Produced by Joyce Koo

Five New Jersey families share their stories about adopting children from China in this NJN documentary. It is increasingly difficult for single mothers and older parents to adopt domestically. These families have turned to China, a nation with a burgeoning orphanage population. China has a one child policy; those who have more than one child are faced with high fines. As a result, many mothers abandon their babies in places where they will most likely be found.

The New Jersey parents all believe that their daughters were destined to be theirs. The title A Red Thread is based on a Chinese proverb that says an invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet. Regardless of time, place, or circumstances, the thread may stretch or tangle but will never break.

First broadcast on NJN Public Television July 15, 2001