The SARS epidemic is forcing changes in how families cope with adoption of children from China.

Some families quarantine themselves once they return while others go about their lives and keep a close watch on their health.

There are those, too, who have decided not to travel as a couple to China. Susan and Dan Chapman from Powder Springs had originally planned to fly together to China. They've now decided that Dan will stay at home with their 2-year-old while Susan goes to China with a friend to bring back their child.

"Although it was difficult at first to accept that we would not go together, we decided that it wasn't fair to our 2-year-old for both of us to take the risk," said Susan Chapman.

Several other couples say they've faced varied reactions about their plans to adopt from China.

Michele and Keith Nicholson of Marietta left their three children in April and flew to China to bring their new daughter, Ellie, home.

"We had neighbors tell us that they couldn't believe we were leaving our children and taking such a risk," remembered Michele. "It was really hard to hear that, but I felt guilty either way -- guilty for leaving our boys here; and if we didn't go, guilty for leaving Ellie there. We left it up to God to protect us."

On their return home, however, their friends threw a surprise party for the family, and nobody seemed worried.

Michele Nicholson's grandparents decided to be a little cautious. "[They] decided to not see us for two weeks [on our return]. And my sister did not want her son to be around Ellie until we were sure [she didn't have SARS]," she said.

Evelyn Hedden Mille of Kennesaw plans to leave for China as soon as she can to adopt Autumn Lin from an orphanage.

"Although my co-workers have been very supportive, people in nearby offices have said they don't want me to come near them when I return," she said.

The reaction of friends and family, however, is something that troubles her and husband Todd Mille less than the bigger hurdle they face in seeking to adopt Autumn Lin.

The Milles are among the metro Atlanta families caught in limbo by the Chinese government's decision on May 15 to suspend all adoptions.

China is not assigning babies to new families and will not grant permission for adoptive families to travel. This ban will stay in effect until the SARS epidemic has been controlled. "Although it is temporary, it is anyone's guess as to when they will start back up," said Michele Sheppard of Catholic Social Services in Asheville, N.C.

"This has been the worst week of my life," said Rebecca McNair of Asheville, who is waiting to adopt Gabriel. "I feel like I can see him through a veil but I can't hold him or touch him. I keep remembering that God has been with me every step of the way. I can't start doubting that now."

The Internet has become a lifeline for many. "I watch the World Health Organization Web site tracking the number of SARS cases in China daily, actually more like hourly," said Hedden Mille. "If the figures are down, I feel optimistic that China will lift the suspension soon. If the figures go up, well . . ."

Expenses, risks add up

U.S. government rules and regulations add to the concerns. For many adoptive families, their INS (now known as the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services) paperwork expires this summer. Since they do not know whether they will travel before it expires, they have to reapply. New fingerprints and a new home study by the adoption agency are required, costing about $1,000.

"You've already done and spent so much you just go ahead and spend some more," noted Gina Crittendon of Woodstock, "but you do wonder when all the spending will stop." Before this additional expense, adoptions from China cost about $20,000, including the cost of travel.

Although the exact figure is unknown, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute estimates that there are up to 1 million orphans in China. About 95 percent of the babies are healthy girls abandoned at birth because of China's one-child policy and the traditional preference among Chinese families for sons.

In the United States, more than 32,000 babies from China have been adopted since 1995.

Prior to the ban, families packed masks and hand sanitizer alongside diapers and terry-cloth sleepers when they went. Often they flew on near empty planes and ate at empty restaurants, but travel they did.

And despite the ban, they're still eager to go. "I'm willing to do anything. I'm willing to be under house arrest. I just want to get my daughter," said Hedden Mille.

"Every day our daughter is in an orphanage is a risk for her -- a risk to her health, a risk to her life," said Susan Chapman, who is waiting to bring her daughter Faith home to Powder Springs.

The ban potentially has far-reaching consequences to the children in Chinese orphanages as well.

Lost time hurts kids

Most adoptive families prefer younger babies. Depending on the parents' age, they can request a baby less than 12 months old.

The children who have already been assigned to adoptive families will probably not be affected since most families will stay committed to adopting that child. However, since there are far more babies than adoptive families, if the suspension continues for a long period, unassigned babies might "age out" of the prime adoptable age and be passed over in favor of younger babies.

"The Chinese government tells each orphanage how many babies they can place for international adoption," said Susan Wycoff of Carolina Adoption, an adoption agency in Greensboro, N.C. "If an orphanage only has a limited number of slots, they are likely going to choose the younger babies that are more in demand."

Joshua Zhong, president of Chinese Children Adoption International, a national adoption agency that will be opening an office in Atlanta soon, mused about the cruel twist of fate that has seen SARS victimize the most vulnerable.

"These children were abandoned at birth, and they deserve a second chance at a loving home," said Zhong.

"China is doing the best they can and what they need to do right now, but an institution can't replace a family," said Sheppard of Catholic Social Services.