In Ethiopia, the concept of adoption does not exist the way we understand it in the West. Full termination of parental rights through adoption does not occur under Ethiopia law. Many of the families who placed children for adoption did so with the expectation that they would receive updates and that their child would return as an adult.
Chapter 10, Article 183:
Article 183. — Relationship of the Adopted Child with the Family of Origin. 1) The adopted child shall retain his bonds with the family of origin. 2) The same shall apply to the spouse and the descendants of the adopted child. 3) Wherever a choice has to be made between the family of adoption and the family of origin, the family of adoption shall prevail.
Federal Negarit Gazetta of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia: The Revised Family Code
