Sen. Coleman offers statement on Guatemalan decision to halt adoption cases for 30 days

<NEWS RELEASE>

Washington, D.C.— Sen. Norm Coleman, Co-Chair of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, made the following statement today (Tuesday, May 6) in response to Guatemala’s decision to halt pending adoption cases for 30 days:
 
“Guatemala’s decision to halt pending adoption cases for at least 30 days is a cause for concern for Minnesota families whose adoption cases were already in process at the beginning of this year, and who are seeking to complete them.

"While I applaud Guatemala for taking the necessary steps to reform their system to prevent fraud, I have personally urged President Colom to allow Minnesota families who have registered with the Central Authority to move forward during this period of transition in their adoption system.

"I will continue to actively work with all stakeholders to both ensure greater clarity and certainty as pending adoption cases proceed, so we can continue helping Guatemalan orphans who are in need of a loving, permanent home.”