Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) Practice Test 2026 - Free PMH-C Practice Questions and Study Guide

International adoption refers to the process where parents from one country legally adopt a child from another country. It is noted that international adoptions account for a relatively small percentage of all live births in the United States. Specifically, it is recorded that international adoptions accounted for approximately 0.5% of all live births. This adoption type involves navigating not only domestic regulations but also the legal frameworks and policies of the child’s birth country, which can significantly impact the overall numbers.

In contrast, national domestic adoption and relative adoption encompass a much higher percentage of total adoptions in the U.S., as these typically involve local or family-based placements that are much more common. Surrogacy, while also growing in recognition and involvement, represents different legal and personal dynamics compared to adoption.