A recent ban on American adoptions has been passed by Russia as retaliation in response to the US passage of the Magnitsky Act, a human rights bill targeting Russian officials. This ban was designed to “hit Americans in the heart,” according to CNN, and condemns thousands of Russian orphans to grim fates such as poverty, drug abuse, and even suicide.

Close to 46 families left in “limbo” have been waiting an indefinite amount of time for the Russians to address the broken promises made to the orphans. Adoptive parents argue, haven’t the orphans suffered enough?

This ban seems to be, in the eyes of American adoptive families, a step in the wrong direction. With the number of adopted children from Russia in the past decade dropping by nearly 4,000, the ban is just another problem parents looking to adopt internationally must face.

Although institutionalized children are in fact well cared for by the Russian government, they lack the love and care a family can give. This can affect children in the long run both mentally and emotionally.

What really matters, in the long run, are those stripped of their chance at completing a family, as well as those in need of being a part of one.