In addition, there are certain health problems, such as Hepatitis B infection, that are more common in international than in domestic adoptions. Those who wish to adopt a newborn baby may choose domestic adoption. Although there are some adoptions of three and four month olds, most children adopted internationally are six months of age or older. Some are uncomfortable with openness in adoption, they feel that they will be more secure and comfortable knowing that the birthfamily is very far away. It's these stories that the media reports, and not all the happy ending stories.
Some families have a special feeling for another country or culture.
They may have some heritage of their own from that nation. In considering adoption, it feels natural to them to turn to a land for which they have such affection. Others may have a curiosity about and fascination with a particular country and turn to it for that reason. Prospective adoptive parents who have a strong gender preference will often turn to international adoption because gender preference can often be accommodated. A homestudy is required for every type of adoption.