FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Media contact: pr@lifelinechild.org
Lifeline Children’s Services Announces Suspension of China Adoption Program
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Dec. 1, 2025—After nearly six years of unwavering advocacy, Lifeline Children’s Services is deeply saddened to suspend its China adoption program.
Since China halted international adoption in February 2020, Lifeline’s team has worked tirelessly on behalf of families and waiting children—advocating with U.S. and Chinese officials, engaging in countless conversations with the China Center for Children’s Welfare and Adoption (CCCWA), and elevating this issue at the highest levels of government. Despite every effort, no progress has been made, and recent diplomatic meetings did not bring the breakthrough so many hoped for.
Given the continued silence from both governments and the absence of a clear path forward, Lifeline has made the extremely difficult decision to close all China cases and suspend services under this program. Families may choose to transfer to another Lifeline program, though we recognize that many have been waiting for specific children they have grown to love.
“We grieve alongside our families, who have shown extraordinary faith and perseverance over the past six years,” said Herbie Newell, president and executive director of Lifeline. “We remain confident in the Lord’s love for these children and are committed to serving families with integrity and compassion.”
Lifeline Children’s Services is the largest Evangelical Christian adoption agency in the United States, with offices in 19 states and headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. It serves vulnerable children and families through private domestic and international adoption, family restoration, and pregnancy counseling. For more information, please visit www.lifelinechild.org.
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