China Bars Adoption by People Who Are Obese, Single, or Over 50

China, the largest source of overseas children adopted in America, plans to bar would-be parents who are obese, single, or over 50, according to notices posted on the Web sites of three leading American adoption agencies.

Under rules effective from May 1, applicants must be married for more than two years with at least a high school education. The measures also ban multiple divorcees, the blind, and those taking depression medication from becoming parents, according to the postings.

The changes come as demand for Chinese children outstrips the number available for overseas adoption. While China's government wants to ensure they get the best homes, the new rules will exclude people who may make good parents, some child-placement professionals say.

The government "is doing what they see as the best thing for their children and their country," said Kristine Altwies Nicholson, who runs Hawaii International Child, a Honolulu-based adoption agency. "Having seen amazing families for 15 years coming in all shapes and sizes, I wouldn't ever feel comfortable eliminating a whole group from parenthood."

The rules were described on the Web sites of Spring, Texas-based Harrah's Adoption International Mission, which has placed 1,200 Asian orphans since 1995; New Beginnings Family & Children's Services Inc. in Mineola, N.Y.; and Evansville, Ind.-based Families Thru International Adoption. Ms. Nicholson said she had heard the same information from people who had met Chinese authorities.