”There’s Not Even a Rule Book.”: Motivations and Advice from Parents Who Raise Internationally Adopted Children Living with HIV

Abstract

Few resources are available for U.S. families pursuing internationally adopted children living with HIV (IACH). Forty-four parents of IACH participated in interviews centered on adoption motivations and experiences, and advice to prospective parents. Transcripts were coded for emergent themes. Faith, altruism, and, for some parents, prior experience with populations living with HIV were guiding motivational factors to adopt. Initial misunderstandings about HIV transmission and management were eased after conversations with medical providers. Advice to prospective parents who are deciding to pursue IACH included education on legal rights and finding supportive medical and community-based resources.