Abstract
The choices facing young, South African women who find themselves unmarried, unemployed and pregnant are dismal. The plight of pregnant school girls who do not enjoy family and community support is one of loneliness and desolation. Hence, adoption has become an attractive option for these mothers who often turn to charitable organisations that offer refuge as well as pre-natal and delivery services. The fact that some such centres are linked to adoption agencies that make babies available for inter-country adoption is disconcerting. The increased interest in inter-country adoptions possibly fuelled by an increase in Hollywood celebrities adopting 'ethnic babies' has caused growing concern amongst children's rights activists and raised questions about the legal implications of inter-country adoptions. Activists also question the financial gains made by mother support agencies and international adoption agencies. Browsing through internet sites will easily reveal agencies that facilitate inter-country adoptions and directly offer support services to unmarried mothers or have financial ties with organisations that 'counsel' women about their adoption rights and options. In terms of the South African Children's Act [B70D-2003, p 14], trafficking in relation to a child means:
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