CAIRO — Egypt has amended its Child Law, opening up the option of adoption and foster parenting to more people — including single women.
The amendments, passed Sept. 19, concern orphans and children of unknown parentage under Egypt's Alternative Family system. According to observers, the government is making the changes to confront the country's history of mistreatment and abuse of these children. The problem has been compounded in recent years by the financial strain shouldered by care facilities in light of the dire economic conditions gripping the country.