Russian adoption ban upsets families

AUSTIN (KXAN) - An international dispute between Russia and the United States could impact families here.

The Russian government recently outlawed Americans adopting Russian children. That was supposedly in response to tougher visa rules against Russian leaders accused of violating human rights.

Now thousands of American families are worried about what the future holds.

The O'Grady family, who live in Cedar Park, says the process to adopt Reagan was tough enough as it is. They're in disbelief that children are now being forced in the middle of a political disagreement.

"Reagan has been such a blessing to our family," said Michael O'Grady. "I think we've been a blessing to her now it's sad there's not going to be other children to experience that coming to America."

The O'Gradys adopted Reagan near Moscow just over three years ago. The process took over a year, and after visiting several orphanages they brought baby Reagan back home to the U.S. to meet her new twin brothers, Reed and Riley.

"Reagan was one year old and 12 pounds," said Stacie O'Grady. "She was unable to crawl or eat solid food, and she was left at the hospital at birth."

Reagan is like some 740,000 other Russian children left orphaned and abandoned.

The O'Gradys now want to adopt another child from Russia, but they can't.

"I would love to have another child I'd love to bring another child home that doesn't have parents," said Stacie.

Russian President Vladamir Putin signed a new law on Jan. 1, banning American families like the O'Gradys from adopting Russian children.

The O'Grady's are now left hoping that the law will be repealed, so little children born without a family or love have a shot at both.

There are some 50 American families now left in limbo. They were in the process of adopting children when this new law was added.