SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - Russian president Vladimir Putin is promising to sign a new law in his country, banning Americans, from adopting Russian children. If this ban goes through, some Utah families would be a lot smaller.
If Russia bans U.S. adoptions, it would devastate the Davis family in Saratoga Springs.
"It seems like it's so unfair," said Jerry Davis, hoping to adopt a Russian child.
For the last six months, the Jerry and Lori Davis have been trying to adopt a boy in Russia. But now that Russian President Vladimir Putin is vowing to sign a new law banning American parents from adopting Russian children, it's breaking the Davis' hearts.
"You already feel like that's your child, you feel like that's your son or that's your daughter," said Lori Davis, hoping to adopt a Russian child.
Nik and Misha Falk understand the Davis' concerns. Both men were Russian orphans themselves. Back in the 2001, Patricia Falk adopted them into her family in Holladay. And they said it saved their lives.
"I got a new life, new family, and many many new opportunities," said Nik Falk, adopted from Russia.
"I literally felt like I died and went to heaven," said Misha Falk, adopted from Russia.
Patricia Falk told ABC 4 adopting Nik and Misha has been the greatest blessing to her family.
"They have enhanced the richness of our family in every way, their manner, their kindness, their generosity," said Patricia Falk, adopted two Russian children.
Meanwhile for the Davis family, they're holding out hope Putin will change his mind.
"So far I don't see a reason why I shouldn't be signing it, although I have to see the final draft and weigh everything," said Vladimir Putin, Russian President.
ABC 4 is told this isn't the first time Russia has banned or vowed to ban U.S. adoptions. Many families are hoping Russia will work out the issues with the United States, so families like the Falks or the Davis’ can be together.
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