The number of adoptions in Switzerland has been declining since 1980. This decline can be explained by changes to the law with regard to child protection, by a drop in unwanted pregnancies and by a better acceptance of single mothers in society. People are usually young when they are adopted.
2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |
---|---|---|---|
Total | 432 | 467 | 442 |
Sex of the adopted person | |||
Male | 199 | 208 | 204 |
Female |
233 | 259 | 238 |
Nationality before the adoption | |||
Swiss | 277 | 322 | 282 |
Europe (without Switzerland) | 53 | 50 | 71 |
Africa | 28 | 18 | 16 |
America | 30 | 24 | 21 |
Asia | 39 | 46 | 49 |
Others |
5 | 7 | 3 |
Age of the adopted person | |||
0–4 years | 33 | 48 | 35 |
5–9 years | 53 | 56 | 48 |
10–14 years | 49 | 54 | 56 |
15–19 years | 70 | 70 | 87 |
20 years or older | 227 | 239 | 216 |
…= The figures are not available yet
Source: FSO – Vital Statistics
Adoptions by same-sex couples
Source: FSO – Vital Statistics
The law on same-sex adoptions came into force on 1 January 2018, allowing them to adopt their partner's child. The revision of the law also relaxes the conditions for adoption and the rules on the secrecy of adoption. This brings Switzerland closer in line with the legislation of other Western countries.
2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |
---|---|---|---|
Total | 92 | 86 | 87 |
Sex of the adopted person |
|||
Male | 54 | 52 | 45 |
Female |
38 | 34 | 42 |
Nationality before the adoption | |||
Swiss | 87 | 79 | 81 |
Europe (without Switzerland) | 5 | 4 | 5 |
Africa | 0 | 0 | 0 |
America | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Asia | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Others |
0 | 0 | 0 |
Age of the adopted person | |||
0–4 years | 70 | 73 | 84 |
5–9 years | 20 | 8 | 2 |
10–14 years | 2 | 3 | 0 |
15–19 years | 0 | 1 | 1 |
20 years or older | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Sex of the adopting person | |||
Male | 17 | 11 | 20 |
Female |
76 | 75 | 77 |
Further information
Contact
Federal Statistical Office Section Demography and MigrationEspace de l'Europe 10
CH-2010 Neuchâtel
Switzerland